Derek Franklyn Tanner

Derek Franklyn Tanner, 57, passed away unexpectedly at Jefferson Hospital on March 21, 2024.  The family will have a remembrance celebration and will greet friends from 1:00 – 2:30 P.M. Saturday, March 30, 2024 at James Funeral Home. 

He was born in 1966 in Augusta and started his career as a house painter before becoming a landscaper at the esteemed Augusta National. In 2011, he moved to Wrens to live with his brother, shifting gears once again and worked as a logger.
 
Despite leaving school early to help support his family, Derek was immensely proud when he obtained his GED in 2009. His determination and commitment were evident in every aspect of his life. Those closest to him remember him as easy-going and as someone who enjoyed the simple things, often found relaxing on the back porch or cracking jokes to make others smile.  Derek best enjoyed times spent with his family, especially his great niece and nephews as they played and joked together.
 
A man of many talents, Derek had a passion for artistry. He spent hours drawing and carving walking sticks with precision and skill. Southern classic rock music resonated with him, providing the soundtrack to his creative endeavors. In his downtime, he could be found engrossed in westerns or glued to episodes of Law and Order on television.
 
Derek will always be cherished by his surviving family members including his son, David Tanner; siblings, Terry "Bo" Tanner Jr. (Janice), Tammy Toney (Jimmy Chappelear), and Cheri Davies; three nieces, Amber Toney, Skylar Chappelear, and Dezzaray Higley; nephew, Allen Tanner; as well as other extended family and friends.
 
He is preceded in death by his parents, Constance Markins Tanner Messerly, Terry Allen Tanner Sr., and step-father David Messerly; his brother, Howard Tanner; as well as his grandparents, Ms. Lorene Markins, and Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Tanner. 

Derek's legacy of love of family, humor, and creativity will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.