Tyler James Musselman's Obituary
Tyler James Musselman, 28, passed peacefully on September 8, 2018 at home surrounded by family and friends. He had been battling two different types of cancer for over a year.
Tyler was born in Walnut Creek, California and spent his childhood in Fairfield, California. He moved to Texas with his grandmother for his senior year in high school, an experience he likened to stepping on the set of “High School Musical” compared to his grittier time at Armijo High in Fairfield. In 2009, he again moved with his grandmother to Triangle, VA and began his life as an “East Coaster”. This was a life that he embraced fully, for in moving east, Tyler found home.
Tyler’s grandfather gave him the book “Animal Farm” when he was 10 years old. This ignited a passion for philosophy and counter culture writings. While he enjoyed a good science fiction or fantasy story as a nice break, he really reveled in reading weightier tomes that made him think and ponder the ideas being presented. And of course, Tyler being Tyler, he had to discuss those ideas with others and get them to think beyond their day to day mundane musings. Conversations were not always comfortable but they were always enlightening.
Tyler struggled with mental illness and addiction during his short life. He reached out for help from others, especially his family at Narcotics Anonymous, and tried to help those he saw struggling in turn. Some days he was successful in the struggle while others he was not. But he tried and succeeded more often than not.
Tyler was an extraordinary soul, who chose to live an ordinary life. Good friends, loving family, delicious food, and scintillating conversation were all he needed to be content.
Tyler is survived by his grandmother, Sherri Earle Musselman; his mother, Michelle Marie Musselman; his sister, Noelle Louise Clark; his uncle, Sean Paul Musselman; his great aunt, Melinda Love; cousin, Richard Earl Musselman; cousins of his heart, Kandi Pires, Anthony Pires, and Johnny Burt; brothers of his heart, Anthony Rivera and John Rivera; and many loving friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Richard Evan Musselman; his uncle, Richard Edward Musselman; his great grandfather, Noel Earl Love; and his great grandmother, Louise Blair Love.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Fredericksburg, 10719 Courthouse Road, Fredericksburg VA 22407.
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