Thomas Gerard Chisley, age 65 of Waldorf, Maryland

On Saturday, April 26, 2025, Thomas Gerard Chisley — better known as "Gus," "Big Rod," "Gerard," transitioned from his earthly life peacefully at the Hospice of the Chesapeake (Charles County) in Waldorf, MD, surrounded by family and friends. He received his promotion to his eternal life as Heaven's Head Grill Master. No doubt he arrived with his tongs, and a playlist ready for the angels' first cookout.

He was born on a fine Wednesday, in November 28, 1959 — in Washington, DC, Gus was the beloved son of the late Philip "Phil" Thomas Chisley and Alice Eudora Chisley. He sharpened his wit, wisdom, and jump shot (probably) in the Charles County school system, graduating from Henry E. Lackey High School in 1977.

Never one to waste time, Gus signed up for the United States Marine Corps while still in high school. Semper Fi all day! He embodied the Marine Corps core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment — though he'd also tell you it didn't hurt to add a little hot sauce and humor to those values. Gus served as a rifleman, earning the Rifle Marksman Badge for his sharp shooting skills. He also earned the Good Conduct Medal because somehow, he managed to stay out of serious trouble… at least on paper. After two years and six months of honorable service, he returned to civilian life — though he kept his Marine toughness forever.

After hanging up his uniform, somehow, he managed to find time to settle down with his teenage sweetheart, Shirl A. Brown. They made it official on October 12, 1986, kicking off a love story that gave them two beautiful kids,  Gerard "Roddie" Chisley and TaNarnia Chisley; and a lifetime of jokes, dancing, and family memories.

Gus wore many hats: janitor, construction worker, heavy machinery operator — he could literally build, fix, or flip anything (and sometimes all three before lunch). He most recently worked with the Morgantown Generating Station, where he kept things running until the plant's ownership changed in 2022. If it involved hard work, Gus showed up early, stayed late, and probably made everyone else laugh while doing it.

Gus was the life of the party. If there was smoke in the air and music in the background, you could bet good money Gus was behind the grill, flipping burgers, smoking ribs, and side-eyeing anyone who dared touch his tongs without permission. Rain, snow, heatwave, or hurricane — if there was a grill nearby, Gus was cooking. Family cookouts? Gus. Birthday parties? Gus. Random Tuesday afternoon? Still Gus.

When he wasn't commanding the grill like a true general, Gus was holding court at the card table, turning family game nights into high-stakes tournaments filled with laughs, trash talk, and "don't act like you didn't just cheat" accusations (all in good fun, of course). Win or lose, Gus played to enjoy the moment — and maybe walk away a few bucks richer.

Beyond his talents, Gus had a heart bigger than any steak he ever grilled. Whether it was helping you fix your brakes at 2 AM, showing up unannounced with food because "you looked hungry," or standing up for you no matter what — Gus loved and protected his family and friends with everything he had.

Gus was preceded in death by his father, Thomas "Phil" Chisley and his niece, Tiffany Chase. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, loyalty, and the kind of barbecue stories you'll be telling for generations. Cherishing his memory are his devoted wife, Shirl A. Chisley; his children, Gerard Anthony Chisley and TaNarnia Monet' Chisley; his precious granddaughter, Raelynn F. Churchwell; and his mother, Alice E. Chisley. He is also lovingly remembered by his siblings, Renee Ferebee, Phyllis G. Chisley, Eudora Roxanne Vatran, and Lavon D. Chisley; his uncles, George A. "Bo" Chisley, Vernon P. Chisley and Aloysius "Al" Chisley; his aunt Doris Chisley-Cooper; his mother-in-law, Jean M. Brown; and his forever friends Chris Willett and Preston Pernell. A host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, in-laws, cousins, and lifelong friends also carry his vibrant spirit forward.

Heaven just got a little more fun, a lot more flavorful, and just a little louder now that Gus has arrived.

Until we meet again — save us a plate, Big Rod.

His Viewing will be, 10:00 am until time of Service, 11:00 am, Friday, May 23, 2025, in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640.

Interment, June 9, 2025 at 10:30 am, Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, Maryland 20623.

On Friday, May 23, 2025 at 11:00 am, please click on the link below to live stream the service.

Please make sure when viewing the services that the volume located in the right lower corner (where it says "live") on the viewing screen is turned up (the bars should be blue).

The streaming will begin after the final family viewing.  Therefore, there may be a delay before the service appears on the screen. Thank you.

https://www.thorntonfuneralhomepa.com/live-stream