MSGT (R) John Harvey Tanksley, 78, of Columbus, Mississippi, passed away at North Mississippi Medical Center, July 10, 2021, of congestive heart failure.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 13, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS.  A graveside service will follow at 12:30 PM at Memorial Gardens, Columbus, MS with Bro. Paul Shaw officiating, Bro. Ben Yarber assisting and Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS directing.

John was born October 28, 1942 in Eupora, Webster County, Mississippi.  On his 17 ^th birthday, his mother signed for him to go into the Air Force.  Less than two years later, he married the love of his life and they began their life's journey.

John enjoyed many things; in Alaska he raced snow mobiles; in San Antonio, he raced a drag car with his friend, Tom Sunde.  He was a good bowler and target shooter, but he was an excellent pool player.  He had his own table and liked to teach his grandsons and play with friends.  After retiring from the Air Force, he and his wife ran his own delivery service for thirteen years.

He was a long-time member of Canaan Baptist Church and loved the Lord.  He was a generous and loving man, but a tower of strength when needed.  He was respected by everyone who knew him.  His girls thought the sun rose and set in their daddy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Nellie Leggett Tanksley, brother Venoy Tanksley and dear friend, Danny Beaman.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of sixty years, Anita, sisters Carolyn Morgan (Vernon), Betty Hurst and Kathy Lawson (David), his daughters, Vicki (Tommy) Hallman, Lori Paone, Christi Tanksley, six grandchildren, John C Foster (Jamie), Autumn Spencer, Jerras Hasty, Rebekah Hallman, Joey Paone, Ashton Harvey, and ten great-grandchildren.

He will be missed everyday for the rest of our lives.