Hung Manh Nguyen

Hung Manh Nguyen, age 87, of Maryville, TN, passed away on Saturday, February 12, 2022.

Hung was a charismatic, determined, ingenious, and resilient man. Orphaned as a boy, he was able to educate himself and became a high-ranking officer in the South Vietnamese army. After the war, the victorious Communist Party of Vietnam stripped South Vietnamese officers and their families of their wealth. Hung and his family were sent to re-education camps which were located in the most remote and inhabitable parts of Vietnam. Thousands died from sickness and starvation at the camps. Hung and his family survived by fishing and growing a small garden. Hung scouted for a way out and eventually obtained a contract for digging ditches with the government. This provided a livelihood for his family along with several dozen other families. During this time, Hung built a network of alliances who helped him secure an escape boat from Vietnam. On the night of escape, Hung’s eldest son rowed the women and children to the waiting boat with the intentions of coming back for the men. Unfortunately, the men were left behind as soldiers were already descending on the beach. Hung was captured and tortured in prison for over a year. After his release and with the help of New Providence Presbyterian Church, he was united with his family in Maryville, Tennessee.

He worked as a custodian for Maryville High School to support his family until his retirement. Hung and his wife also operated a successful restaurant in Maryville. Although Hung risked his life and lost his freedom, he claimed that his greatest accomplishment was bringing his family to the United States for a better future. Seeing his children succeed validated all his efforts and gave him immense joy.

Hung was preceded in death by his wife, Tue Banh. He leaves behind 8 children, 3 daughters-in-law, 3 sons-in-law, 12 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, 3 sisters in Vietnam, and 5 cousins in California. Hung will be best remembered as a giving man with a lively personality and as a loving and indulgent grandfather. The pain of Hung’s absence is felt by all, but they know there is a greater plan for him.

A small service to celebrate his life will be held 12:29PM Sunday, February 13, 2022, at McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home.