Gene was born on December 6, 1939 in Sandersville, GA and was the son of the late Grady and Hester Tanner. He was a 1961 graduate of the University of Georgia and lifelong Bulldog fan. Gene’s career included working as a high school teacher, Burlington Industries Textiles in management and Rockingham County Health Department as a Public Health Inspector. He and his wife, Ann loved to travel the world together. Gene was a member of Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church for 40 years, serving as a Sunday school teacher, working with the children during Vacation Bible School, and helping with Bible Studies.
In addition to his parents, Gene is preceded in death by his brother, Ben Tanner who passed away in May of 2019.
He is survived by his wife, Ann Johnson Tanner; sons, Brian Christopher Tanner and wife Rebecca of Hickory, NC and Jeffrey Miles Tanner and wife Amy of Wilmington, NC; five grandchildren, William Tanner, Virginia Tanner, Parker Tanner, Sam Tanner, and Mattie Tanner; two nephews, Mike Tanner and Pat Tanner; niece, Alisa Tanner Smith; cousin, Cora Fay Humphrey; and numerous friends.
A funeral service will be held at 2 pm on Monday, October 25, 2021 at Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Jeff Johnsen officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service starting at 1 pm.
All memorials may be made out to the Children’s Ministry Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church.
