Fred Tanksley Jr.

It is with a heavy heart that we mark the passing of Fred Tanksley Jr., age 87 at the Trellis Paradise Rehab Facility on 2 January 2023. Fred was born on the 24th of September 1935 in Livingston, Alabama. As a child he moved to Chattanooga, TN where his father worked for the railroad. He resided in Chattanooga until he enlisted in the United States Air Force in September 1956. After basic at Lackland AFB, TX he was assigned to Nellis AFB, 4520 Supply Squadron until his honorable discharge in December 1959. After having worked at the Flamingo Hotel, he was hired by United States Civil Service, Nellis AFB in 1964 where he worked until his retirement in April 1988. He enjoyed his retirement years watching his favorite sports, football, basketball and tennis. An avid pinochle player, he spent many competitive hours hosting pinochle games with his group of retired buddies.

Fred was proceeded in death by his parents Essie and Fred Tanksley Sr., sisters Viola, Minnie, Alberta and brother Robert, stepchildren Kimberly Irick and Guy Powell. Those left to cherish Fred’s beautiful memories is his wife of 45 years Joan, daughter Toni Robinson, 4 grandchildren Danielle, Darian, Lauren, Tye, his only great grandchild, two nephews Jeffrey and Eric, great niece and nephews and a host of cousins.

A special thank you to Swins Fontenelle, Anthony Prater, Natalie Winkler, Sharon Gunter and Margaret Secrease for the many dinners they brought him, his pinochle buddies Douglas Gibson and Melvin Jenkins who continued to check on him after he could no longer play. He loved talking on the phone to his cousin Tina Hall, Chandra Hasan, special friend Francis Sweet, and lifelong friends Marion Prater and Tommie Jones. A heartfelt thanks to our very good friends Lena Farmer and Ron Hall. Thank you to all who shared condolence. Your generosity love, and support will not be forgotten.

Fred’s final resting place will be at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Boulder City, NV.

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