Dallas Darryl Fortner, AKA Paw Paw, of Virginia Beach, VA died peacefully on Monday, April 3, 2023, in the presence of his wife of 54 years, Nell Grey. Born just outside of Galax in Fries, VA on April 16, 1939, to Everett Howard Fortner, Sr and Ida Mays Fortner, he was the oldest of seven siblings Douglas (deceased), Everett Jr (Sonny), SueAnn, Randy, Tony (deceased), and Twyla as well as scores of nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his only daughter Kathy, favorite son-in-law John, grandchildren Hollie, Jessica, Jonathan, and David; as well as great grandchildren Brylie, Elle, Noah, Lincoln, and Zachary.
He proudly served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in New Jersey at McGuire Air Force base from 1956 until the date of his honorable discharge in 1959.
Dallas would remind us of how he started working as a child at the age of 7 catching earthworms to sell to the bait shops and whoever needed worms. He would also collect old car batteries and take them to the junkyard for cash. Lost in this endeavor were many pairs of pants from acid spills and this was the beginning of his lessons in entrepreneurship!
One of his “coined phrases” was “work is the satisfaction of life” and for the rest of his working career he was in the restaurant business. Together with Nell, Dallas (at work) and Darryl (at home), owned and operated Fry Basket, serving chicken and seafood throughout the Chesapeake community for over 40 years. His passion for cooking and food experimentation led to his daily phrase of “what’s for dessert”, which he rarely missed!
In 1988, he “convinced” the family to purchase a roadside petting zoo, Noah’s Ark, in Currituck County, NC as the ideal environment to raise his grandchildren. There we all learned the art of the “10-minute job” and a lifetime of memories were made. Hopper, Cecil, and Luke the llama are in the family’s animal hall of fame! Never was he one to turn down a good adventure!
One of his finest qualities was that of hospitality. Never was there a NO VACANCY sign on his front door and room was always made for the visiting relatives or traveling guests to come and sit on the porch to view a magnificent sunset, take an evening excursion on the pontoon boat, or just watch the migration of the purple martins every season. He was a fan of everything that living on the waterfront had to offer. Many topics were of interest to him, and he enjoyed varied conversation. He would discuss politics unless you disagreed and often played “devil’s advocate” taking the side of the perpetual underdog. Always with charm and respect wanting to know specifically “who THEY are” when referring to the experts!
Darryl, Daddy, Paw Paw, Dallas or whatever you knew him by leaves a rich legacy of love to all of his family and friends. We will see you in every sunset, sharing memories and repeating all your wonderful phrases and draw from the wisdom you’ve taught us for years to come. You have found rest in heaven and will receive your reward. The memorial gathering on this, your birthday, April 16, 2023, serves as a testament to a life well-lived!