He served in the US Navy on the USS Boxer as a boatswain mate from 1951 to 1955. He married his wife, Frances on October 20, 1956 in Wyandotte, Michigan. After his discharge from the Navy, he resided in Michigan where he was employed by the New York Central Railroad. In 1974, he moved to Arcadia, Florida and opened a bar and grill known as the DeSoto Marina and later owned a welding business, Joe's Welding. Joe also started the original Country Café in Punta Gorda. He was a member of the Loyal Moose Lodge in Punta Gorda and the Elks Lodge in Port Charlotte, Florida.
He is survived by his wife Frances Tanksley of Arcadia, FL; his daughter, Kathy (Mike) Stacey, son Joseph H. (Lorrie) Tanksley II; grandsons, Brian (Amanda) Stacey; Eric (Michele) Stacey; Joseph H. (Tracie) Tanksley III and Brandon Tanksley; great grandchildren; Grant, Jack and Andrew Stacey; Maranda; Alexis; and Jenna Tanksley; his brother, Bobby Tanksley of Michigan,
and his faithful companion Taz.
