Jesse Edward "Zeke" Tanner

Mr. Jesse Edward “Zeke” Tanner, age 77, of Pearson, Georgia passed away on April 24, 2017, at his home, after an extended battle with Alzheimer’s disease. A native of Atkinson County, Mr. Tanner was born on August 1, 1939, son of the late Leon “Zeke” Tanner and Colleen Clement Tanner of Kirkland. On July 31, 1965, he married the former Marian Spikes in Pearson. He lived in Pearson and Kirkland his entire life and was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Mr. Tanner served in the United States Army from 1961-1963 and continued his service in the reserves. After completing his service in the army, he worked for Brooks Auto Parts in Douglas where he started as a driver and was later promoted to manager of the trucking division. He worked for Brook Auto Parts for 44 years before his retirement in 2008. Mr. Tanner was a long-time member of the community coffee club. In the early years, the meeting place of choice for a good cup of coffee (and town news) was either the Miami Restaurant or Mrs. Wilma’s 441 Café, and later Corbitt’s Restaurant. If he wasn’t enjoying breakfast with community friends or working at Brooks, he was found working on projects around the house. Mr. Tanner was an avid fan of NASCAR racing and his favorite driver was Dale Earnhardt. He loved watching races on television or attending in person. Jesse was proud to serve his country, and he enjoyed watching World War II movies, documentaries and collecting World War II model airplanes. He also loved animals, music and whistling to his favorite tunes or singing while he worked. He had a kind heart and a humble spirit. More than anything, he loved spending time with his wife and family. If he wasn’t in the stands supporting one granddaughter, he was at the softball field cheering on another. His goal in life was to be a good Papa, like his grandfather, Jesse Clement, and he left this earth having fulfilled that goal.   Mr. Tanner is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 51 years, Marian Spikes Tanner, of Pearson. Other survivors include, son, Johnny Leon Tanner of Pearson, Georgia; daughter, Carrie Tanner Morgan and husband Scott of Thomasville, Georgia; special niece, Jennifer McClelland Tillman and husband, Britt of Willacoochee, Georgia; one brother, John W. Tanner and wife, Nell of Pearson, Georgia, and one sister, Sandra Tanner Pittman of Axson, Georgia; four granddaughters: Kendra Tanner Murray and husband, Josh of Akron, Ohio; Sydney Elizabeth Morgan and Madison Alexandra Morgan of Thomasville, Georgia and Anna Tanner of Pearson; two great-grandchildren, Silas and Zelda Murray, and special great-nephew, Jack Tillman. Mr. Tanner was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Ruby Tanner Swindle. Visitation for Mr. Tanner was held on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Relihan Funeral Home. Funeral services for Mr. Tanner were held on April 27, 2017, at 3:00 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Axson, Georgia with Rev. Edward Mathews and Rev. Jimmy Spikes officiating. Music included the congregation singing Amazing Grace and special music by long-time neighbors and friends, Michele, Bo and Francine Fender. Nephews serving as active pallbearers were: Charles W. “Locke” Tanner, Stanley McClelland, Stacey McClelland, Kipp Pittman, Ken Pittman, and Lee Kevin Pittman. Honorary pallbearers were: Foster (Bo) Fender, William Earl Giddens, Hinkey Mathews, H.F. Mizell, Buck Newbern, Ellie Morris, Hugh Davis, and Foster Davis. Relihan Funeral Home of Pearson, Georgia were in charge of the arrangements.