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  1. Sending my prayers to the family. What an opportunity to know and share with Dave. He was an outstanding accomplished person and gave so much to others. May God bless you and yours.

  2. Dave, one my greatest pleasures was sharing my Purple Heart polo with you, and buying you a match. You will be missed, David & Kathy Lane

  3. Dave was a kind gentleman. We were honored to get to know him and respect him. Being with him at lunches at the Military Officer’s association meetings was always more fun when he attended. Our condolences to the family. Bob and Ruth Middlebrooks Kitty Hawk

  4. An honorable gentleman with an awesome sense of humor. An inspiration to me. I’ve enjoyed his books. I am happy to have met David and give my heartfelt prayers to his family.

  5. Dave was an outstanding friend. He never ever let his lack of mobility take over his life. I was a member of the First Flight Officers group with him and enjoyed his company very much. At our last meeting while sitting beside him he told our table that he would run for President but he didn’t have a leg to stand on!!

  6. Dave:

    a patriot, a friend. RIP. We will miss our times mulling over our good times.
    Colleen and I send condolences to your family.

    Rick

  7. We have so many happy memories of our neighbors on Cook Drive. And foremost were Stephie and Dave. Her for her sparkling personality and him for his great sense of humor. You have our deepest sympathy.

  8. I was very sorry to hear of the loss of David . He was such a fine gentleman. It was always such a pleasure to run into him. His family are in my thoughts and prayers. You have my deepest sympathy.

  9. Dave you epitomized what it means to be an American. Willing, in fact anxious, to hear from those with whom you did not agree, you were invariable respectful and courteous. the world is in desperate need of your qualities and you will be sorely missed. And that doesn’t even touch on the wonder of your literary skills. Thank you for the friendship and knowledge that you so selflessly gave.

  10. I enjoyed knowing Dave for the last few years as a member of our NCWN local writers group. He shared some great stories and offered insightful feedback on others’ submissions. I will miss him. My sympathy and prayers for his family.

  11. I’ll miss you, my friend, but I’m confident you’re in heaven enjoying eternal peace with your loving Stephanie. I first remember meeting Dave at our NCWN writers Group. He was easy to like. We immediately bonded as fellow Jerseyites and shared many common threads. I’ll always remember Dave, our weekly get- togethers enjoying a coffee and bagel in Kitty Hawk. It was always an hour well spent. You’ll be missed but not forgotten.

  12. My condolences to the family. Dave was a mentor to me and a fellow “Green Beret” who was a great man to know. God Bless

  13. I knew Dave from law school on. No nonsense. Good sense of humor. When the Soviet Union fell, I saw him at the courthouse and said “congratulations Dave, you won the war!” He laughed.

  14. Enough trying cases against David. He was a great lawyer, but even better, he was a great man. Always an honest prepared opponent. Just a fantastic guy. A case to David was about the law and the facts. Not
    about him. An excellent person.

  15. As an attorney and as an Army veteran, I salute you, Sir. Rest in Peace, good and faithful servant.

  16. Dave, you were a master storyteller, and I promise your story will live on with me. Meeting you was a stroke of luck. It’s an honor to have known you. Till Valhalla, my friend, rest in peace.

  17. I will miss reviewing his books and trying to identify the characters he wrote about from the real cast of characters we all knew from the court house crowd. I will miss our long telephone conversations from Duck .If Dave had ever written about himself he would have been the most interesting character in any story. He could dance, drive a car and practice law on his legs . I never saw him in a wheel chair. He was the most courageous man I ever knew and the most determined. Someone should write a book about his life story. His life was a life well lived in spite of adversity. He is my personal hero.

    Tom Keith

  18. Coach Tanis was my high school basketball coach at Bishop McGuinness. To pay my respects, and to honor a true hero, I would love to attend his funeral at Arlington. Please let me know when.

  19. I was saddened greatly to learn of Dave’s passing. He was a terrific person and wonderful friend and will be missed.

  20. Dear Tanis Family, We have known your dad for 20+ years and our parents had known him many years prior as they built our family Duck home in the 80’s – also on Cook Drive. We always enjoyed briefly visiting with your dad to/from the beach. We were just admiring his beautiful garden in late July – truly sorry we had no idea what you were going through. He was always a joy – one of the good ones. Please receive our heartfelt prayers and love as you mourn his loss. We are happy to help you in any way if you need anything in Duck. Please just let us know. Much love, The West Family – 128 Cook (Jeanne, Maynard, Ashley, Lisa, AJ & Lucy West)

  21. I was lucky to have known Dave and worked for him in 1992-1993. I learned a lot from him that carries to my practice today. There are many law clerks from Wake Forest who have never met him, who know who he is because his name is mentioned more than often in our office as to how to do things. Met his wife Stephanie through my work for Karla Posey at Mr. Dunderbak’s in the late 70’s and his daughter Collette in high school. Great family. Dave will be missed by many people in so many places. With my deepest sympathies.

  22. It was an honor for me to meet Mr David and his conversations with me will have a lasting effect on my life. I would be honored to attend his memorial service.

  23. Dave was a former basketball teammate of mine at RHS and a wonderful guy. RIP Dave.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

  24. Dear Colette and Stephen and families it is with my deepest sadness to hear of both your mothers passing and now your dad’s.
    Your Dad was my forever Hero!!! Our sincerest condolences to you and your families on the loss of both your parents.
    With love and the passing of time, may your loss and tears pass to loving cherished memories. Be well from Margie and Maryann Tanis in NJ pls call Margie if you feel up to it 9085815017
    Pls be well.

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David Robert Tanis

August 1, 2023

David Robert Tanis – author, attorney, judge, decorated Vietnam Veteran, devoted dad and husband died of natural causes in Hampton, VA on August 1, 2023. Dave was born on May 23, 1941, in Paterson, NJ. He was recently predeceased by his wife, Stefanie. Dave is survived by his two children, Stephen Tanis of Fort Lauderdale, FL and son-in-law, Richard Garraputa, and Colette Tanis Griffin of Winton-Salem, NC and son-in-law, Bruce Griffin, and Dave’s two grandchildren, Samantha Griffin Donley of Bellevue, KY, and Stephen Griffin of Winston-Salem, NC, all of whom he adored and loved immensely.

Dave was a man of integrity and service, and his life’s actions displayed his valor at every step. Possessing great athletic ability, Dave attended Lehigh University on a basketball scholarship. Having earned a degree in Political Science, Dave was determined to build a career in the military. Upon graduation, Dave joined the U.S. Army, and after Officers Candidate School and parachute training, was fortunate to be among the first second lieutenants in the Army’s Green Berets. While in the Green Berets Dave met and married his wife Stefanie, originally from Crimmitschau, Germany. As his wife continued to learn English, Dave studied and became fluent in German and he spoke other languages, including French and conversational Russian. Dave served as a French interpreter for five high ranking officials from the country of Laos and fondly spoke of his service in the Green Berets.

In June 1970, as an infantry company commander in the star-crossed Americal division, Dave was seriously wounded in combat in Vietnam, losing both legs and receiving multiple shrapnel wounds which plagued him throughout his life. For his service, Dave received multiple medals, including The Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, and The Purple Heart. Dave’s wounds, however, did not diminish his spirit for learning and living. During his over 20 months stay at Walter Reed Hospital, Dave attended graduate seminars at George Washington University and then attended graduate school at East Carolina University where Professor (later United States Senator) John East took him under his wing. Officially retiring from the Army with the rank of Captain, Dave moved his family to Winston-Salem to begin a new life and to attend Wake Forest University Law School. Having passed the NC bar exam on the first attempt, Dave continued to build a highly successful career as an assistant district attorney, district court judge, and trail attorney in Forsyth and surrounding counties – a career that spanned over 35 years.

Dave served as President of the Forsyth County Criminal Trial Lawyers and the Chairman of the North Carolina Vietnam Veterans Association where he was responsible for fundraising, design and construction of a memorial park for deceased North Carolina veterans of the Vietnam war, which is now located in Davidson County. Dave was always a trooper, and he was especially humbled to be able to honor his fellow soldiers of the Vietnam war with this lasting tribute.

At every turn in Dave’s life, he surpassed the enduring difficulties of his disability, serving as a coach and on the board of the Northwest Forsyth Little League. Pulling from his experience as a college basketball player, Dave also coached the High School Junior Varsity basketball team at Bishop McGuinness High School.

Upon retirement from the legal profession, Dave and his wife Stefanie moved to the family summer home in Duck, NC, at which point he began a long-awaited career as a writer. Dave’s son, Steve, recalled the many wonderful and fanciful bedtime stories his father would spontaneously create – adventure stories that would continue for weeks. Dave published three novels centered around legal satire and often based on the many humorous scenarios he experienced during his legal career. Dave’s last book, The Mind is a Terrible Thing and Other Slightly Weird Stories, is a collection of short stories and was finalized a week before his death – it was a project that he was most intent on finishing and a fitting culmination to a most extraordinary life as a husband, father, grandfather, and truly admirable man.

Dave’s children are honoring their father’s directives for burial at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors on Wednesday September, 13 at 10am. In lieu of flowers and in Dave’s honor, the family kindly requests considering a donation to the Disabled American Veterans. Please share condolences with the family at gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services was entrusted with arrangements.

Condolences

Albert DelGarbino

Dave, you will be missed. Min and Al DelGarbino

George Ramsey

David, you, your wonderful attitude and your writings will be missed.

Penny Leary Smith

Sending my prayers to the family. What an opportunity to know and share with Dave. He was an outstanding accomplished person and gave so much to others. May God bless you and yours.

David A. Lane

Dave, one my greatest pleasures was sharing my Purple Heart polo with you, and buying you a match. You will be missed, David & Kathy Lane

David Connaughton

We have all lost a great friend, David. My condolences to your much-loved family. -Dave

Robert Middlebrooks

Dave was a kind gentleman. We were honored to get to know him and respect him. Being with him at lunches at the Military Officer's association meetings was always more fun when he attended. Our condolences to the family. Bob and Ruth Middlebrooks Kitty Hawk

Rad and Margie tillett

What a great man.

Peggy Bryson

An honorable gentleman with an awesome sense of humor. An inspiration to me. I’ve enjoyed his books. I am happy to have met David and give my heartfelt prayers to his family.

Don Davis

Dave was an outstanding friend. He never ever let his lack of mobility take over his life. I was a member of the First Flight Officers group with him and enjoyed his company very much. At our last meeting while sitting beside him he told our table that he would run for President but he didn’t have a leg to stand on!!

James Fagersten

Dave: a patriot, a friend. RIP. We will miss our times mulling over our good times. Colleen and I send condolences to your family. Rick

John and Gloria Summers

We have so many happy memories of our neighbors on Cook Drive. And foremost were Stephie and Dave. Her for her sparkling personality and him for his great sense of humor. You have our deepest sympathy.

Jim Braithwaite

I was very sorry to hear of the loss of David . He was such a fine gentleman. It was always such a pleasure to run into him. His family are in my thoughts and prayers. You have my deepest sympathy.

Kip Tabb

Dave you epitomized what it means to be an American. Willing, in fact anxious, to hear from those with whom you did not agree, you were invariable respectful and courteous. the world is in desperate need of your qualities and you will be sorely missed. And that doesn't even touch on the wonder of your literary skills. Thank you for the friendship and knowledge that you so selflessly gave.

Louanne Ewald

I enjoyed knowing Dave for the last few years as a member of our NCWN local writers group. He shared some great stories and offered insightful feedback on others' submissions. I will miss him. My sympathy and prayers for his family.

Jim Bodino

I'll miss you, my friend, but I'm confident you're in heaven enjoying eternal peace with your loving Stephanie. I first remember meeting Dave at our NCWN writers Group. He was easy to like. We immediately bonded as fellow Jerseyites and shared many common threads. I'll always remember Dave, our weekly get- togethers enjoying a coffee and bagel in Kitty Hawk. It was always an hour well spent. You'll be missed but not forgotten.

Dave Horan

My condolences to the family. Dave was a mentor to me and a fellow "Green Beret" who was a great man to know. God Bless

Christopher J. Small

I knew Dave from law school on. No nonsense. Good sense of humor. When the Soviet Union fell, I saw him at the courthouse and said "congratulations Dave, you won the war!" He laughed.

Lee Zachary

Enough trying cases against David. He was a great lawyer, but even better, he was a great man. Always an honest prepared opponent. Just a fantastic guy. A case to David was about the law and the facts. Not about him. An excellent person.

David Benbow

As an attorney and as an Army veteran, I salute you, Sir. Rest in Peace, good and faithful servant.

Sarah Amann

Dave, you were a master storyteller, and I promise your story will live on with me. Meeting you was a stroke of luck. It's an honor to have known you. Till Valhalla, my friend, rest in peace.

Tom Keith

I will miss reviewing his books and trying to identify the characters he wrote about from the real cast of characters we all knew from the court house crowd. I will miss our long telephone conversations from Duck .If Dave had ever written about himself he would have been the most interesting character in any story. He could dance, drive a car and practice law on his legs . I never saw him in a wheel chair. He was the most courageous man I ever knew and the most determined. Someone should write a book about his life story. His life was a life well lived in spite of adversity. He is my personal hero. Tom Keith

Nils Gerber

A great man. It was a pleasure to know him. My deepest sympathy.

Colonel Brian McCullough

Coach Tanis was my high school basketball coach at Bishop McGuinness. To pay my respects, and to honor a true hero, I would love to attend his funeral at Arlington. Please let me know when.

JUDITH A Luria

I was saddened greatly to learn of Dave's passing. He was a terrific person and wonderful friend and will be missed.

Lisa & Ashley West

Dear Tanis Family, We have known your dad for 20+ years and our parents had known him many years prior as they built our family Duck home in the 80's - also on Cook Drive. We always enjoyed briefly visiting with your dad to/from the beach. We were just admiring his beautiful garden in late July - truly sorry we had no idea what you were going through. He was always a joy - one of the good ones. Please receive our heartfelt prayers and love as you mourn his loss. We are happy to help you in any way if you need anything in Duck. Please just let us know. Much love, The West Family - 128 Cook (Jeanne, Maynard, Ashley, Lisa, AJ & Lucy West)

Jimmy Wilson

I was lucky to have known Dave and worked for him in 1992-1993. I learned a lot from him that carries to my practice today. There are many law clerks from Wake Forest who have never met him, who know who he is because his name is mentioned more than often in our office as to how to do things. Met his wife Stephanie through my work for Karla Posey at Mr. Dunderbak's in the late 70's and his daughter Collette in high school. Great family. Dave will be missed by many people in so many places. With my deepest sympathies.

Tony Cagle

David was a good man. He was someone to admire. He was more than an attorney. He was a friend.

Nathaniel James

David, May God bless you and your family. Thank you for your service.

Adriana Velasco

It was an honor for me to meet Mr David and his conversations with me will have a lasting effect on my life. I would be honored to attend his memorial service.

Dorothy Bade Markell

Posted on FB

George Smith

Dave was a former basketball teammate of mine at RHS and a wonderful guy. RIP Dave.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Margaret Tanis

Dear Colette and Stephen and families it is with my deepest sadness to hear of both your mothers passing and now your dad's. Your Dad was my forever Hero!!! Our sincerest condolences to you and your families on the loss of both your parents. With love and the passing of time, may your loss and tears pass to loving cherished memories. Be well from Margie and Maryann Tanis in NJ pls call Margie if you feel up to it 9085815017 Pls be well.

Charles Thie

RIP American Hero