Anthony "Tony" J. Tanner

Anthony (Tony) Tanner, age 73, was born in Brooklyn, New York, December 9, 1948. He attended Brooklyn Technical High School where he was the trainer for the track team. He graduated from Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pre-medicine and a Master of Science Degree in Bioengineering. Tony also received a Doctor of Science Degree in Bioengineering from Pacific Western University. Tony worked as a medical technologist and was certified by the Board For Respiratory Therapy as a therapist. Tony turned his career to education as an Associate Professor at Long Island University, Brooklyn campus. He left there as Head of the Health Sciences Dept. to work at Lifemark Corp. in Houston in the healthcare industry. Finally, he took advantage of an opportunity in Birmingham, Alabama, to be a founder of Healthsouth Rehabilitation Corp. He wore many hats there as Executive Vice President and Secretary of the Board of Directors. Tony retired in December 1999 feeling good about the company and all it had accomplished up to that point for the welfare of its patients. As a young man Tony was a Boy Scout and a drummer in a band with his brother called the Banshees. He was in the Men and Boys choir in his church, then joined the Chancel choir where he met his wife, Elizabeth. Tony was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1986. He became active in the pursuit of finding a cure by serving as Chairman of the local Multiple Sclerosis Society, and being on the Board of Directors of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. He was honored and humbled to have a Foundation named for him which currently provides financial assistance, services and education for people living with MS, ALS, and Parkinson’s Disease: The Tanner Foundation for Neurological Diseases. Tony also served his community by serving on the Hoover Parks and Recreation Board, and the Hoover Personnel Board. He was the capital campaign manager for Aldridge Gardens. Tony was a member of Church of the Ascension, Vestavia, since 1984. He served on the vestry as a member and as Senior Warden. He was a member of the choir and several committees. His faith in God brought him through many challenges and he was thankful for all the blessings in his life. Tony was preceded in death by his parents George Henry, and Cleo Mitchell Tanner. Tony’s greatest joy was time with family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Elizabeth Ann; children Laurie Elizabeth, Jonathan Anthony (Caitlin) and Christopher Brian (Elizabeth); he was Papa to 8 grandchildren: Jackson Reid, Emery Sky, Jonathan Luke, William Graham, Jonathan Anthony, Jr., Olivia Wainwright, William Christopher, David Henry. He was also survived by his brother George Henry Tanner, Jr. (Resa); nephews, George Henry Tanner, III (Julie) and Samuel Landon Tanner; niece Melissa Bookwalter (Andy) and grandnephews and grandnieces. A memorial service will held at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 1912 Canyon Road, Vestavia, Thursday, December 16th at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Anthony's memory may be made to Church of Ascension, 1912 Canyon Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35216; and The Tanner Foundation, 3105 Independence Drive, Suite 105, Birmingham, Alabama 35209.

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