John William Tanner Jr.

John William Tanner Jr., 96, of Lebanon, TN passed away Thursday, September 7, 2023 at Alive Hospice in Nashville, TN surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Tanner was born in Madison County, Alabama to parents, Deborah and John W. Tanner Sr,. on May 6, 1927.

Mr. Tanner retired in 1987 from the Metropolitan Nashville Public Works Department after 30 years of service. After retirement, he continued to fuel his passion for farming. John raised animals and grew and sold vegetables in the Lebanon community until 2011. He enjoyed sitting and visiting with his customers under the cedar tree at his vegetable stand.

Mr. Tanner is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Ramona Tanner; daughter, Shirley Gail Tanner; son, Danny Wayne Tanner (Vicki); grandchildren Christopher Michael Tanner, Jeremy Keith Tanner, Johnny Wayne Reynolds, and Michael Edward Reynolds.

Mr. Tanner is survived by children Brenda Carol Clark (Wayne), Dorothy Janice O’Neal (Teddy), and Wilma Dean Secrest (John); grandchildren Melissa Ann Sanders, Brandy Cherie Cole, Obediah Daniel O’Neal, John Flint Secrest Jr., and Wendi Secrest Lewis (Jason); he is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren and 7 great great-grandchildren.

There will be a Gathering of Family & Friends on Saturday, September 9, in the Rachel Visitation Room at Hermitage Funeral Home from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Following the time of visitation, a Celebration of Life will begin at 1:00 PM in the Tulip Grove Room at the funeral home with Rev. Rich Tinner and Rev. Jerry Smith, officiating. Obediah Daniel O’Neal, John Flint Secrest, Jr., Dalton Michael Brown, Justin Tanner Cole, John Flint Secrest, III., and Jason Robert Lewis will serve as Pallbearers. Melissa Ann Sanders, Brandy Cherie Cole, and Wendi Secrest Lewis will serve as Honorary Pallbearers. Following the service, Mr. Tanner will be laid to rest in the Garden of Peace at Hermitage Memorial Gardens. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Tanner family at HermitageFH.com.