David Hannah

Gulf Breeze, FL -   David Lee Hannah, 82, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 3, 2024 surrounded by family. 

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marilynn Hannah; his children and their spouses, Patty and Paul Jenkins, Fred and Krista Hannah, Nancy and Todd Gordon; grandchildren and spouses, Brittany and Johnny Henley, Chris Jenkins, Jeff Jenkins, Taylor and Daniel Patterson, Josh and Andrea Gordon, Grace Jenkins and Zachary Hannah; great grandchildren Lili Haddox and Mason Henley; sisters and spouse Kathy and Al Skwara, Donna Woodring and Karen Hahn. 

Dave was born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania and is preceded in death by his parents Frederick and Geraldine Hannah.

Dave graduated from Slippery Rock University with a bachelor’s degree in education. He was a member of the football and wrestling teams during his college career. He was also a member of the Alpha Chi Rho fraternity and earned the beloved name Hap Hannah because of his charming and charismatic personality. Dave and Marilynn met during their college days and married on August 24,1963. Dave went on to teach physical education and science at Harbor Creek School District in PA and also Perkins School District in Sandusky, OH. Because of his heart for young people and his love of sports, Dave spent many years coaching and mentoring students through high school football and wrestling programs which he loved dearly.  

Dave had a deep love of the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping highlighted by a 6 week adventure driving his pregnant wife and young family all the way to Alaska and back. It was quite an experience and one that he reminisced about often. 

Dave left the teaching/coaching profession to pursue his many entrepreneurial interests. He worked for Wikel Manufacturing in Sandusky, OH as VP of Sales and Marketing. In 1988 in partnership with his wife, Dave and Marilynn moved to Greensboro, NC to start their own asphalt maintenance business, Hannah Asphalt Services. With much sacrifice and hard work they grew their business and were ultimately joined by their son Fred in this business and Dave’s legacy continues to this day with his son at the helm. 

Dave in his later years became affectionately known as Big Daddy Hannah in tribute to his significant stature which he humorously bragged to be 5’6” and 15/16. Big Daddy will be remembered for his entertaining sense of humor, his wonderful belly laughs and beautiful warm smile, his world class hugs which made you feel so very loved, and his passion for the Cleveland Browns despite the many disappointments and heartbreaks they gave him over the years! Dave was a man of faith and didn’t hesitate to share that faith with others, witnessing to the deep and unconditional love of God and sharing his testimony of the peace that passes understanding. Many years ago Dave started a family tradition that has continued on for decades.  Whenever we get together as a family we always circle up and sing a little cheer proclaiming our love for each other and it goes like this:  Everybody Loves In Our House!  We will continue to sing our song and honor a very special man who we will miss greatly. 

A memorial service will be held for Dave at Rose Lawn Funeral Home in Gulf Breeze, FL on Wednesday, February 7^th at 2pm with visitation with the family beginning at 1pm.

Memorial Contributions can be made to Emerald Coast Hospice, 2190 Airport Blvd, #2850, Pensacola, FL 32504