William David Hall

William David "Dr. Dave" Hall, 64, of Dayton passed away on May 26, 2018. Born in Hazard, Kentucky, Dave spent most of his life in the Dayton area.

A 6' 4" 350 pound tattooed hell-raising biker, Dr. Dave was at heart a gentle giant who loved to ride his motorcycle, fish, hike and spend time at Grill's Tavern with his friends, telling stories and an endless stream of the world's worst jokes. In 1996, Dave's entire world changed when he agreed to go undercover for the FBI and infiltrate the Aryan Nations, then the most dangerous white supremacist group in the US. It was supposed to be a short term job, six months at the most, but Dave was so successful in his role that he ended up spending two and a half years undercover in the Aryan Nations. The information that Dave provided to the FBI during his time undercover saved countless lives by preventing assassination attempts on prominent civil rights leaders and foiling plots to blow up federal buildings. It also led to the downfall of the Aryan Nations. The story of Dave's time undercover is set out in the book Into The Devil's Den, co-authored by Dave and FBI Special Agent Tym Burkey, and also in Discovery Channel series Undercover: Double Life, episode "Aryan Nation".

In the Spring of 1999, Dave's cover was blown during the investigation of a plot to bomb the Earl Cabell Federal Building in Dallas, and he was forced to leave Dayton on short notice. Dave lived in seclusion for the rest of his life, continually struggling with post-traumatic stress syndrome from his time undercover and a series of health problems. In 2013 Dave quietly moved back to Dayton in order to be near his mother, and spent his final years at the Maria Joseph Nursing Home. Thank You to all the nurses and staff on Brunner 4 who loved and cared for Dave in his last years.

Dave was very disturbed by the resurgence of the white supremacist movement in the last few years. The next time you hear an extremist preaching hate and violence, remember the sacrifices that this brave man made to make the world a better place for all of us.

Preceded in death by his dearly loved mother Peggy, his brother Henry, and his beloved dog Gary, Dave is survived by his sisters Kate, Linda Gail, Dawn, Krissy & Jennifer, brothers Mike, Bart, & Bob, numerous nieces & nephews, and loyal friends that Dave loved dearly.

Per his request, Dave will be buried in the family cemetery in Chavies, Kentucky along with the ashes of his beloved dog Gary. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Madison Lakes Park – where Dave loved to fish and hike with Gary – c/o Montgomery County Parks & Recreation, 451 West Third, 7th Floor, Dayton, OH 45422 or a charity of your choice.