Timothy Templin Acord

Timothy Templin Acord, age 70, formerly of Fairfax Station, Virginia, died at Emilia Assisted Living in Springfield, Virginia, on May 7, 2019.

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a rare degenerative neurological disorder affecting the body’s muscles and autonomic functions, claimed Tim’s life, but he never gave in to it. He adapted to every blow the disease dealt him and found yet another new way to be productive and happy. MSA ravaged his body, leaving him bedridden and mostly paralyzed, but he remained sharp, curious and eager for life until his heart simply couldn’t support him.

Tim leaves behind his beloved wife, Ronimarie Acord, and their daughter, Kaleigh Elizabeth Acord, both of Alexandria, Virginia; his sister, Deborah Acord Bell (Douglas) of St. Petersburg, Florida; father-in-law G. Blynn English of Sidell, Illinois; brother-in-law, James Miller of Decatur, Illinois; numerous beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews around the world.

Tim was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, on July 24, 1948, to Gene Morris Acord and Elizabeth Ann Templin Acord.

While still a college student, Tim held his favorite job as “Chillicothe’s answer to Dick Clark,” according to one local historian. For two years, he hosted, wrote and produced a weekly rock ‘n’ roll music show, The Action Faction, for the Chillicothe television and cable company Telcom. Tim also was a cameraman in the Telcom studio.

Tim earned his bachelor of science in electrical engineering from Ohio University in 1971. In August 1971, having “won” the Vietnam lottery, he enlisted in the U.S. Army rather than be drafted. The Army offered him a science and engineering position in the research and development of night vision technology at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, where he spent his entire civilian career after his honorable discharge. In the course of his career, he was awarded several U.S. patents and earned multiple distinctions.

A vintage-entertainment enthusiast, Tim was a lifetime member of the Metropolitan Washington Old-Time Radio Club and a longtime member of the Society to Preserve and Encourage Radio Drama, Variety and Comedy. Tim was also an avid Washington Nationals baseball fan.

His favorite meal was Thanksgiving dinner, and his favorite dessert was cherry pie — both of which he requested that Roni make many times a year.

He was a member of Salem Evangelical & Reformed Church of Chillicothe, Ohio, and Hope United Church of Christ, Alexandria, Virginia.

In May 2017, Tim’s sister, Deb, helped him compile details for his obituary. He offered thanks to his cousin Jack Hofmann “for all he did to help us add handicap accommodations to our home,” allowing Tim precious time to remain at home.

“Our friends and neighbors have gone above and beyond in assisting us,” Tim dictated. “We can never thank you all enough. To all our friends who stopped by to say hello, bring a meal, grocery shop, and move furniture … we love you!”

Tim asked specially to thank his daughter, Kaleigh, “who came to our rescue right after the official diagnosis and gave up her summer plans (and jobs) for the past two summers in order to help us transition into this new phase in our life. To all of Kaleigh’s friends who never hesitated to come and visit as well as entertain us with beautiful music and conversation … words fail me.”

“I feel so fortunate, and I don’t regret a moment,” Tim said. “So let me borrow from Bob Hope’s famous song title … Thanks for the Memories!”

Tim’s wife, daughter and sister thank the members of his radio club, multiple home caregivers, and the team at Emilia Assisted Living for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, they request donations in Tim’s name to the Multiple System Atrophy Coalition, 9935-D Rea R., #212, Charlotte, North Carolina 28277, MultipleSystemAtrophy.org.