Hai Nguyen

Hai Dang Nguyen, age 73, passed away peacefully at his home in Harrison, Tennessee, on December 6, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on December 2, 1952, in Long Xuyen, An Giang, Vietnam, and grew up in the rural farming community of Chau Phu, where he learned the values of hard work, humility, and dedication that shaped the rest of his life.

On December 11, 1970, Hai Dang married the love of his life, Nga Thi Tuyet Nguyen, beginning a partnership marked by devotion, resilience, and unwavering commitment. Together, they built a family and navigated life's greatest challenges side by side.

Hai Dang proudly served for three years as an Artilleryman in the Army of the Republic of Vietnam. In November 1980, he made the difficult decision to leave Vietnam, beginning a long and challenging journey toward a safer, more hopeful future. After more than a year in transition, he arrived in the United States with his family in February 1982. They eventually settled in Rome, Georgia, where he became a resident for 38 years and worked tirelessly to build a new life.

He spent 24 of those years employed at Southeastern Mills in Rome, GA, where he was known for his strong work ethic and quiet kindness. Before that, during his early years in Vietnam, he worked in the rice fields-labor that strengthened his character and deepened his appreciation for the simple, peaceful parts of life.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Hai Dang is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 55 years, Nga Thi Tuyet Nguyen; and his children Hong (Francisca) Thai, Hong (Dodi) Barton, Ty (Beth) Nguyen, Hang (Bill) Conner, and Songkhla (Kevin) Venza. He also leaves behind his treasured grandchildren Michael Nguyen, Matthew Conner, Sophia Thai, Mallory Conner, Giana Nguyen, Naomi Barton, Maya Thai, Harper Venza, and Hazel Venza. He was preceded in death by his parents, Van Manh Truong Nguyen and Thi Tho Cao Nguyen, as well as his three sisters and five brothers.

Hai Dang was a kind and hardworking man whose quiet presence brought warmth and comfort to those around him. He found great joy in gardening, caring for his fish, spending time outdoors, and fishing whenever he could. He also deeply loved nurturing and tending to his bonsai trees-a peaceful, meditative hobby that reflected his patience and gentle spirit. A practicing Buddhist, he lived his life with sincerity, calmness, and gratitude. One of his familiar, endearing phrases-spoken often and fondly-was his simple question: "What you do?" It became a small but meaningful way he connected with the people he loved.

Of all his accomplishments, none meant more to him than the success and education of his children. He was immensely proud that each of them completed college, fulfilling dreams he had worked a lifetime to make possible.

A private viewing for the family will be held at Companion Funeral & Cremation, 2415 Georgetown Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37311. Cremation will follow.

He will be deeply missed.