Bobby Joel Tanner, 74, of Arab, Alabama died Sunday, October 30, 2016 at Crestwood Medical Center in Huntsville.
Mr. Tanner was born December 22, 1941 in Madison County, Alabama to Herman Tanner and Mary Headrick Tanner. Joel retired from the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier after 30 years of service. He was a member of the NALC for 50 years. Joel was very proud of what the NALC stood for and was especially proud of the pride and initiative that he and his fellow members took to provide protection and integrity to every employee. He loved every person he worked with. Joel enjoyed coaching little league baseball, deer hunting, yard work and playing cards with his brothers-in-law and nephews. Joel coached 11-12 year old baseball for several years and was very influential in the lives of the young men he coached, teaching them fundamentals of baseball and life skills. Joel served in the Alabama Army National Guard.
He was a member of Arab First Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years: Wilma Barbee Tanner; sons and daughter-in-law: Greg and Julia Tanner and Jeff Tanner; grandchildren: Payton and Emily Tanner. Joel had a special relationship with his brother-in-law and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews. They were the family he never had. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman Tanner and Mary White.
Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel with Rev. Chris Herbert and John Winston, officiating. Burial will be in Arab Memorial Cemetery with Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel, directing.
Pallbearers will be Glen Thomas, Bill Jones, David Jefferson, Jimmy Jenkins and John Winston.
Visitation will be 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday November 1, 2016 at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel.
