David Ernest Tenley "Dave"

David Ernest Tenley “Dave,” 80, died on Monday, March 25, 2024, at his home in Dunnellon, FL.  He was born into this life on April 1, 1943, in Frederick, MD to the late John and Ada (Haynes) Tenley.  Dave and his wife, Patty, made their home in Dunnellon, FL seven years ago coming from Lusby, MD.

As a young man, Dave enlisted in the United States Army and fought bravely with honor in the First Cavalry Division in Vietnam.  While in Vietnam, Dave was exposed to agent orange, which led to many health issues.  Dave was a proud veteran to his core - in civilian life, Dave volunteered in American Legion Post #268 and VFW Post # 2562; both in Wheaton, MD.  While in the Army, Dave developed a passion for the Willys Jeep and owned various models of the Jeep (Wrangler) throughout his life - often driving them in Rolling Thunder Rallies and Memorial Day parades in Washington, DC. 

After Dave was honorably discharged from the Army, he settled in Maryland and worked for the National 4H Conference Center.  Later, he worked for many years as a Maintenance Engineer at the historic Kennedy-Warren Luxury Apartments in Washington, DC. 

In retirement Dave’s fun job was working in security at Chesapeake Ranch Estates (Lusby, MD).  He also enjoyed nature, wildlife, camping, people, volunteering at local Fire Departments (Rockville, MD and Solomons Island, MD) and win or lose he loved his scratch-offs.  He was a Maryland Boy all the way but loved Patty's home state of West Virginia.

Dave was truly an amazing man who will be dearly missed by all his Maryland and West Virginia family and friends.  Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by eight siblings.  Those left to cherish memories of Dave are his wife of twenty-eight years, Patty Harper-Tenley, Dunnellon, FL; his sisters, Edna Patton (Joe), Plant City, FL, Ellen Hines, Laurel, MD and Anna Clay (Calvin), Mt. Airy, MD; and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

There will be committal service with military honors on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Florida National Cemetery: 6502 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell, FL 33513, followed by a Celebration of Life gathering at 2PM in the Community Center in Oak Bend Village Park:  21271 County Rd 40, Dunnellon, FL 34431.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Dave’s memory to Marion County Hospice, Ocala, FL. (https://www.hospiceofmarion.com/donate/), P.O. Box 4860, Ocala, FL 34478.

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