Manh Dang

GREENSBORO — January 5, 1940-August 16, 2007.

In Vietnamese, his name, Manh, means "strong." And he was just that.

Manh Dang was born in Quang Tri, Vietnam, to the late An Dang and Truong Thi Thi. He grew up during the oppressed times in Vietnam prior to the infamous war that precipitated an escape to freedom. His mother died when he was only 8, so he knew the meaning of independence and courage at such an early age.

He joined the Air Force in his late teens, got married in 1965, and wasted no time in bearing 6 children. After Vietnam fell to communism, he helped to devise an intricate plan that became a miraculous voyage assisting 60 people to America in 1978. It was a treacherous journey in which they survived a huge typhoon that destroyed their boat...a journey in which he sacrificed all that he knew and all that he loved just so that his children could have a future of opportunity.

He started out with nothing and worked hard to make means meet. He had to single-handedly support 6 young children as well as his very ill wife, who ended up having 3 resections of her brain. Somehow, he always found time to be a family man, teaching his kids how to play tennis and taking them on trips to the beach and mountains. Diligently, he worked long hours until his retirement several years ago.

Looking back on his life, he accomplished what he set out to achieve. All 6 children went to college and have great careers. He gave his children opportunity, and in doing so, he sacrificed his own opportunities for them. He had hoped to be able to enjoy his retirement...to travel, watch soccer, play golf, and spend time with his grandchildren. But unfortunately, just when he realized that it was his turn to enjoy his own life, he was diagnosed with a terminal cancer.

And now, he is missed by all...for being a committed husband, father, brother, son, and a true inspiration. He has always been a fighter...and he taught his children to be strong and to never give up. His parents could not have picked a better name for him...

Manh...our father, our hero...

Surviving are his wife, Lan Nguyen of Greensboro; sons: Hung (wife Loan) of Cary and Trang of Morrisville; daughters: Loan (husband Hung) of Waxhaw, Chau (husband Thang) of Cary, Tam (husband Liem) of Morrisville, and Chi (fiance Christoph) of Durham; grandchildren: Hoa Dao, Quynh Nhu Nguyen, Dylan Dang, and Hayden Nguyen. Also surviving in Vietnam are 2 brothers and 4 sisters.

The family will receive friends from 7:00-9:00pm on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 at Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh.