Danville—Dr. Norman Tavss, 92, of the 200 block of Oakwood Circle, died Thursday, Nov. 16, 2012.
He was a native of Norfolk and was the son of the late Mathew and Frieda Katz Tavss.
He was a Navy veteran of World War II, having served as a wartime executive officer on an LCI gunboat. He was involved in the invasions of the Marshalls, Saipan, and Pelelieu, where, in 1942, his ship was sunk. He then served as a gunnery officer on the carrier Boxer CV21 in the Pacific until he was discharged as a full lieutenant in 1945.
Dr. Tavss graduated from the Southern College of Optometry and attended the College of William and Mary. He practiced optometry in Danville for 41 years before retiring in 1988.
He is survived by his adoring wife of 65 years, Florence Schonholt Tavss of Norfolk. Left to miss him forever are his beloved children, Lynn Lantz, Jody Tavss and partner Helaine Harris, son and best friend Sidney Tavss, and grandchildren, Matt Lantz, Jesse Lantz, Avery Lantz, and precious great grandson Daegan Powers. He loved and will be missed by his brother in law, Ed Schutz, as well as his dear cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends for whom he would have gone to the ends of the earth.
He was a member of Aetz Chayim Synagogue in Danville.
Norman was a great raconteur, humorist, and debater, who took to his heart everyone that needed a kindness. He never took himself too seriously though, and lived 92 years without complaining or asking for anything. As a lifelong learner, Norman had a lively, open mind his entire life. He could always be counted upon to root for the underdog and “tell it like it is.”
Graveside services took place in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Rabbi Michael Panitz officiated.
Memorial donations may be made to B’nai B’rith, in support of his beloved country, Israel.
H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts. Online condolences may be sent to the family at hdoliver.com.