William "Bill" Franklin Tinkler

William Franklin Tinkler was born on September 15, 1931 in Spartanburg SC., the son of the late Jack H. and Gladys M. Tinkler of Columbus Ga. “Bill” as he was known, graduated from Central High School in Phenix City AL., in 1948. Bill would then serve honorably in the United States Navy for almost 4 years. After the Navy he used the G.I.Bill to earn a teaching certificate from Auburn University. Bill then began a career in education that would span 46 years. Bill first taught mathematics at Columbus High School in 1958. He would then teach in the Phenix City School System during the 1960’s. In 1968, he and Ann moved to Ogden, Utah, where he taught at Roy High School. They would return to Alabama a year later to Phenix City, where Bill would teach in the Auburn Aabama School District. During this time, he would earn a Master’s in Education degree from Auburn University. Bill and Ann returned to Utah in 1973, where they would remain for the next 20 years, living in Ogden, and Kaysville. Bill worked at North Davis Jr. High School as a mathematics teacher and as a school counselor. In 1993, they would move back to Alabama and settle in Smiths Station. Bill then taught math at Beulah High School in Lee County until he retired in 2006, at age 75. During his years in local education, Bill was actively involved in the Lee County chapter of the Alabama Education Association, serving for many years as President. Bill’s favorite hobby was visiting railroads and watching trains. He visited numerous railroads and railroad museums throughout the country. He also enjoyed traveling, and visited many National Parks and other places of interest throughout the South and West. Bill was a member of St. Luke United Methodist Church in Columbus, Ga. Bill was also a long time member of the Auburn Alabama Kiwanis Club.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ann Gamble Tinkler of Smiths Station AL; daughter and son-in-law, Lee and Jeff Sauerwine of Salem AL; brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Geraldine Tinkler of Columbus Ga; grandsons, Clay and Wade; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 P.M. ET Tuesday, January 26, 2016 in Lakewood Hall at Striffler-Hamby, Phenix City. Burial with military honors will follow at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:00 unitl 1:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Open Door Community House in Columbus Ga.

Please sign the online registry at www.shphenixcity.com