Ray Tanner

Ray Lehmon Tanner, age 73, of Copperhill, finished his earthly duties and gained his heavenly wings for a much-deserved rest after an exceptional life as a husband, brother, father and “Pop.”

He was a long-time member of Bethany Church. He had a deep love for his family, his hometown of Copperhill and its history. He served on the Copperhill City Council for over 25 years. Ray was a member of McCay Lodge #423 F&AM and a Scottish Rite Mason. He worked as a machinist for the Tennessee Copper Company, and later, retired as a machinist for TVA. He was a good hearted, humble man who had a true need to help those less fortunate and never had anything but a kind word for everyone he encountered. He enjoyed old Westerns and a good pair of cowboy boots. He was one of the best storytellers of all time and loved to share his memories and wonderful life adventures. It was discovered that he jotted down some thoughts of his own, and I would like to share it now:

“Each life is a remarkable journey through time, yes, time.

“Each life begins and each life ends, but time goes on.

“Let me tell you about mine.

“I saw the end of the horse and wagon.

“There was two families that went into town one a month to get food and feed. They came by our house when I was still a small boy. I saw the last steam locomotive in service and the first diesel locomotive going into service. I also saw the first man on the moon. This is remarkable in itself. I saw the end of flat tops and white socks and the beginning of long hair and no socks. The 60s, what a time that was.”

To know him was to love him and he will be greatly missed by so many.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Louise McArthur Tanner; parents, Ralph and Evelyn Tanner; son, Chris Tanner; siblings, Sherry Ray and Denise “Dee” Postell; and life-long best friend, Joseph “Jim” White.

He is survived by his children, Amy Tanner (Rodney) Phillips, of Copperhill, and Dr. Richard Tanner, of Copperhill; sisters, Pat Hubbard, of Blue Ridge, and Susan Tanner, of Mineral Bluff; and grandchildren, Jordan Johnson, Peyton Phillips, Parker Phillips, Kenneth Tanner and Janine Aralono.

Funeral services were conducted Sunday, March 6, 2022, at 2 p.m. from the Akins-Cobb Chapel with Preacher Jimmy Dickey officiating. Interment followed in the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery with the following gentlemen serving as pallbearers: Jordan Johnson, Eric Ray, Jason White, Stephen Hubbard, Chris Morrow and Tim McArthur. Masonic rites were conducted by the McCay Lodge #423 F&AM, and they served as honorary pallbearers.

Condolences may be made to the family online at www.akinsfuneralhome.com.

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations, of Copperhill, was in charge of the arrangements.