The Writings of Hall Tennis

Edgar Hall Tennis, artist and longtime resident died New Years Day at home after a brief illness from cancer of the pancreas. He was one week shy of his 82nd birthday. A native of Hampton, Va., he attended William and Mary College, the University of Texas and graduated from Rollins College.

He served in the United States Marine Corps in the battles for Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima. He was in an advance liaison group which landed in Japan in advance of that nation’s surrender. He was the executive director of the Florida Audubon Society for several years and retired as assistant county manager of Dade County credited with solving many of the Greater Miami area’s most difficult social challenges during the 80’s including the management of inner city tensions and the impacts of both the Cuban and Haitian immigrant populations.

He is survived by sons: Samuel of Ft. Walton Beach, Steven of Miami; and Joseph of Charlotte, N.C. all from his first wife Ann K. Tennis; grand children: Amanda, Michael, Pamela, Matthew, Rachel, Ava, Erin and Jasmine; great-granddaughter Rheannon, brothers Melvin and William, second former wife Francis Strychaz, third former wife Susan Sachs and countless friends. He will lie in repose at his home at 66 Laurie Drive where a Wake will be held throughout the day Saturday prior to sunset services at the Gazebo at the Fort Walton Yacht Club followed by a reception at the Club for family and friends. Memorial donations can be made to the Florida Audubon Society in his name.

Dear family and friends,

It is with great sadness that we bring you the news that on Monday morning, January 1st 2007 at 9:52 A.M. Central Time, Edgar Hall Tennis passed from this life into whatever awaits us all.

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