EULOGY OF DAVID ANDREW TENNANT
January 22nd, 1940, David Andrew Tennant was born to Audie Ellen and Andy Tennant in an old country farmhouse on Jakes Run. He weighed in at a whopping 11 ½ pounds. One large baby destined to make a large impact in the world.
My David, as his mother Audie Ellen called him. Little did she know his many parables, poems, stories and original songs would touch the lives of so many people.
Dave, David, Big Dave, Brother, Black, Pap, Dad, Pastor, Chief, Unk, Uncle Dave, DT and Hey Pap-so many titles for the man with enough love to fill the universe-and he sure did just that.
Dave, a scrappy lad, grew up on Jakes Run along with his five siblings. Whether it was playing tackle football in the kitchen/dining room with his baby sister Diane or teaching his sister Becky how to drive an old pick-up truck, times were always pure and simple, always being blessed by God.
He started first grade at the old Mooreville School House, where little did he know, the future love of his life would appear. At class picture time Dave fell into an old cow patty and his Ginny was the only little girl who would stand beside of him. He showed his gratitude by putting her pigtail in the ink well.
High school times and memories were many. From Little Richards’s Ginny Ginny Ginny performance at the school variety show, kickin Fairview High School’s butt on the basketball court and the gridiron, Dave emerged quite the athletic, good-looking stud at CBHS.
But the love of his life that he so briefly met in first grade was calling for him only just a few ridges over the way.
One day Dave decided to take a drive and check out the girls in the small town of Fairview. Riding solo was always the way he rolled. Oh, what Dave’s eyes beheld-short shorts and wow those legs walking down the street! After a quick called to his sister Carol and a five dollar loan, he was off to the big city on his first date with what would be his future wife.
But Uncle Sam had some different plans for Dave as the military entered his life. Fort Eustis, Virginia, a short time later a new wife, his first child, ME, Dave and Ginny’s life was off and running.
After serving four years in the Army, Dave and Ginny returned back home to West Virginia. They purchased a beautiful piece of land not far from Dad birthplace. Roots were planted again on Jakes Run, West Virginia.
Dave’s hard work, family values, and a strong religious faith that was instilled by his dear mother, began to take shape and mold into his own family.
In August of 1964, a new addition to the family was born. Daisy Issac, no, Tonya Renee, his second daughter, that would love him like the son he always wanted.
The many years unfolded-so many memories, so many blessings. We blinked and time was accelerating mock one.
The cornfield on his property disappeared and in 1973, his hard work along with a very dear friend and co-worker, Raphie Toothman, built the dream home he and his Ginny always wanted.
The holidays were always so special, so magical beyond words, with Christmas being the biggest of all. For Dad it was the opportunity to express that magical, unique spirit that only he was so blessed to have and give to his family, friends, and oh yes, sometime even to total strangers. Dad never knew a stranger, if so, only for a very brief time, just like the song, “No Longer Strangers”.
Working hard and being a great provider was the heart and soul of Dad. Many different careers unfolded throughout his life from Westinghouse, Gayless Machine Shop, Consol Loveridge Mine, Federal Number 2 Mine, to Francis Engineering and Pastor Dave. Heck, he could only stay retired from Federal Number 2 for three months and worked for Francis Engineering until his passing.
For Dave and Ginny living life was a blessing they never took for granted. The love they had for each other was as precious as a pure diamond that has never been cut. He adored Ginny. He loved her spirit. He lusted after her body and kissed her passionately the day before his passing. I honestly don’t know if the family album has more pictures of Dad in his underwear or of mom’s butt.
For my sister and me, love was always shown unconditionally. Growing up in a home that constantly reflected such a powerful virtue-no wonder many more blessings from God continued to unfold. For Dad and Mom the years in their relationship brought wisdom and more appreciation for life.
Grandchildren - four precious jewels -brought such a joy like no other to Dave and Ginny. Clay Andrew in November 1983, Chelsae LaDawn in May 1987, Dustin Levi in September 1988 and Caitlin Capri in May 1990.
Dad’s love for his grandchildren was astronomical! His ability to love each and every one of them as individuals with the deepest most unique personal connection was so natural for him to do. Dad was more than just their Pap, he was their everything and always will be.
Nicknames for Dad were a must, very creative and original liKE the man he was. Big Hooch for me, Little Hooch for Ton, Bucket for Clay, Girlfriend for Chelsae, Buster for Dustin, Kate Meister for Caitlin, Katie Did for Katie, Me-O-My-O for Mia and Little Bucket for Ikie Lane. The list goes on and on - Tick Tock, Turkey Man, Bird Legs, Coach, Twiggy, Bro’er, Pockets, Potda Potda, Baby Bubba, Yosey Posey, Chew Chew and the Chop Chop-the Wing Wang and the Wop Wop, Mow Mow, Pooh Bear, Chobie Chug Head, Jerkins, Grandma Moses, Yard Junk Queen, BL, Earl the Squirrel, Greggory Peck, D Y Di, Zachie Poo, Fancy Nancy, Ma-hall Ah-hall, Cousin Larry’s name which I can’t say out loud, last but now least-PONCHO!
In 2001, Dave and Ginny’s journey together took them from Jakes Run to 2318 Magnolia Drive, Fairmont, West Virginia. No longer did Dad have to worry about the flooded basement, the four hour yard mowing that did not include the trimming and the long commute to work. Dave and Ginny needed a change. Downsizing and simplification were needed. Wow, did that change and enrichment occur!
But the traditions of the past lived on. The ringing of the bell that declared the “Big Hunt” at Easter was officially opened and the egg nog/red punch toast at Christmas lived on – just at a new location.
Another wonderful, blessed experience in life for Dave and Ginny occurred. A new addition to the family on June 13th, 2009, a new daughter-in-law – Katie Griffith Fluharty. He instantly loved her as his own.
The religious hymn, “There Shall Be Showers of Blessing”, comes to mind as I reflect on the next milestone in life for Dave and his wife of fifty-three years, Ginny. On August 10th, 2009, Dad held in his arms his first great grandchild, Amelia Madeline Fluharty - Mia. “Hey Pap” became a proud new nickname for a very proud grandfather. The showers of blessings poured out again on April 15, 2012. Ikie Lane Fluharty became Dad’s first great grandson. Dad’s cup runneth over as he held him oh so gently in his hands and sang his own unique version of “Little Boy Blue Come Blow Your Horn”. Little did he know, it would become Ikie Lane’s favorite lullaby.
David Andrew Tennant, my father will be OH so dearly missed by so many. I am so very proud to be his daughter and have this opportunity to tell you about him and his life. I love you Dad, I hope I made you proud today and always!