Thomas Vance Wortman

Thomas “Vance” Wortman, 90, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2021 in Fairfax, Virginia. Vance was born in Garrett Park Maryland to Edith and Raymond Wortman on June 13, 1930. He and Gloria (Townsend) were married on November 11, 1950 in Arlington Virginia. Vance was the President of Wortman, Inc., a family-owned business, which owned several independent Exxon service stations. Prior to starting the family business, Vance served in the Army during the Korean War. He was stationed in Germany where he expanded his mechanical knowledge into heavy equipment. He always had a love of cars and motorcycles. Vance also always had a love of flying. He took his first flying lessons from an airline pilot that lived nearby in exchange for teaching the pilot’s son how to work on bicycles. He was hooked on flying from that time forward. He joined the Civil Air Patrol in the 1970’s with his son (Terry). Later in life, Vance was an active member of Chapter 186 of the Experimental Aircraft Association. He enjoyed working with other members on their projects and discussing the latest flying equipment. Vance was in the first class of volunteer docents at the Udvar-Hazy National Air and Space Museum. This required extensive training and continuing classes which he loved. Vance was preceded in death by his wife Gloria of almost 60 years and his son Terry. He is survived by his daughter Holly Caporale (Vincent), his grandson Michael Wortman (Samantha) and his great grandson, Austin Wortman. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation, 6801 Wilson Blvd, Falls Church, VA 22044. A visitation will be held for family and friends at National Memorial Park, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church VA 22042 on Thursday, June 10th from 1-3 PM with burial to follow at the same location.