Obituary for Charles F. Tanner at Community Funeral Home, Inc (2024)

On Thursday, June 20, 2024, Charles F. Tanner transitioned from earth and ascended to his heavenly home.

Charles was born on November 12, 1950, in Fort Worth, Texas to Johnnie Taylor Tanner, mother and Charlie Edward Tanner, father and later raised in partnership with his stepmother, Fanchon Page Tanner.

Charles was a rambunctious child, who enjoyed playing organized football, avid viewer of baseball; and established a love for technology and music. He matriculated through his formal years of education in Appomattox, VA. While attending the segregated high school, Carver Price, desegregation laws were passed, thus making Charles’ class the first class to attend a multi racial school, named Appomattox High School in 1970. At Appomattox High School is where Charles met his lovely and supportive wife JoAnn Humbles.

Charles saw value in continuing his post high school education. He enrolled in Saint Paul College in Lawrenceville, VA, and successfully completed 2 years of his college endeavor. Shortly thereafter, Charles sought after his calling to enlist in the military, specifically the Army branch. Charles rose expeditiously through the Army ranks, while serving in the capacity of Medical Specialist during his stellar tenure.

Charles was incomplete without his love by his side. He asked JoAnn to marry him, and they started their matrimony journey on September 16, 1978, at Mount Sinai Baptist Church in Washington, DC, officiated by the late Rev. David Durham. Charles later joined Mt Sinai Baptist Church in February 2019. Blessing and completing this family formation, was the birth of their, “EVERYTHING”, Trevoy Tanner. Their newly established triad, was the beginning of new memories, such as sleep deprived nights and floors filled with baby powder, to share a few. Trevoy was the bounce in Charles’ step, as he doted on his son’s growth into a man and accolades. As with many grandparents, when Taniyah his granddaughter was born, Charles became melted sweet butter when Taniyah was around. The answer was “Yes” to whatever she was desirous of.

Heeding the call upon his life to continue to serve in the medical realm Charles was employed with the Washington, DC Emergency Medical Service. Serving as the units Emergency Management

Technician’s trainer and supervisor, until retirement, he was afforded the opportunity to pour into the lives of younger EMTs and pass along invaluable knowledge. Charles formed priceless friendships with his colleagues, especially Joyce, Ronald “Troop”, Susan, Judy and Hilton, whom affectionately revered him as “Tan-Tan”.

As a music enthusiast, he would critique the soulful sounds of Adult R&B and Jazz. Listening attentively to the instrumental blends and cord changes, as he cruised down the distance highway or through the DC streets. Charles also was an avid bowler, often planning family bowling nights to show off his technique. Styled with his personal bowling ball and shoes, gave him the added touch he needed to pull off a strike. He was also a lover of movies, as he planned many family movie nights for us to gather together.

It's Steelers time! Pittsburgh Steelers that is. Charles was an extreme football fan and loved to talk BIG trash on game day. He never vacillated from his loyalty to the Pittsburgh Steelers, whether winning or losing. That loyalty was evident in his verbiage, clothing and truck accessories.

During football off season, Charles would delight in planning the family’s next cruise destination. Just culminating our June 2024 cruise to Alaska. Charles was already in the midst of planning the next 2026 cruise, he loved Royal Caribbean cruises.

As a tribute to Charles's dedicated service in the military, his name is listed on the Wall of Honor Monument, located at the Appomattox Court House, along with a vast number of other military personnel who served abroad and first responders.

Leaving to mourn his physical presence, yet rejoicing in his eternal life, is his wife JoAnn Tanner, son Trevoy Tanner (Funmi), granddaughter Taniyah Tanner, sister Gail Tanner, uncle and patriarch of the Tanner family, J. Mckinley Tanner, a myriad of nieces, nephews, sister in laws, cousins and close friends. Preceding him in earth’s transition is his mother Johnnie Taylor Tanner, father Charlie Edward Tanner, stepmother Fanchon Page Tanner, siblings Frances Tanner Hubbard, and Sheila Tanner.

A funeral service will be held 11am on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at Community Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Mt. Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery, Spout Spring. Condolences may be emailed to [emailprotected].

Community Funeral Home directing

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