Bennie Tanner

Mr. Bennie Tanner passed away early Monday morning, January 20, at his home in Americus. Funeral services are planned for 2:00 PM Wednesday, January 22, from the chapel of Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St., with Rev. Betty Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening, January 21, between the hours of 6:00 & 8:00 PM at Hancock Funeral Home. Born in Wilcox County on October 10, 1923, he was a son of the late John Lelas Tanner and Mary Elizabeth Hair Tanner. He was predeceased by 7 brothers and 1 sister (John, Ottis, William, Donald, Herman, Clarence (Buster), Marvin, and Esther T. Dupree). He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Georgia Childs Tanner; two children, Judith Tanner Taylor of Albany and Russell H. Tanner (Katrina) of Columbus, GA; two grandchildren, Angela M. Gehrt (Michael) of Holly Springs, NC and Richard Taylor of Albany, GA; one great-granddaughter, Amelia Gehrt of Holly Springs, NC; a brother, Robert L. Tanner (Ira Jean) of Loganville, GA; a sister, Margie T. Austin of Americus; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was “Uncle” Bennie to many others. He was a 1941 Americus High School graduate and was employed by Sheffield Hardware for over 40 years. He was member of Americus Civitan Club for over 50 years, a Scoutmaster with Troop 27 and a lifelong supporter of Scouting in Americus. He was a Master Mason for 58 years. He was a member of Lee Street United Methodist Church. He was a loving son, brother, father, grandfather and friend and was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He was a gifted handyman who could fix almost anything. He had a lifelong love of baseball, playing for many years, and was recruited to play professionally, but declined to stay in Americus and support his family. He enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid fisherman, introducing many children to the sport, taking them fishing for their first time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312, or to Lee Street United Methodist Church, 1102 S. Lee St., Americus, GA 31709. To sign our online guestbook and express your condolences, please visit www.hancockfuneralhomeinc.com Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St., is in charge of arrangements.