William A. Tanner

William A. Tanner, 88, went home to be with His Lord on November 7, 2012. Visitation with family and friends will begin on Tuesday, November 13, 2012, at 10:00 am in the Maguire Center at Westminster Oaks in Tallahassee, Florida. A Celebration of Life Service to honor his life will begin at 11:00 am following the visitation also in the Maguire Center.

Bill was born in New Smyrna, Florida, on July 7, 1924, to George W. Tanner and Carrie McKenzie Tanner. After High School he became a Sergeant in the United States Air Force and served for 3 years working as an aerial gunner and mechanic. He was honorably discharged in 1946. He then enrolled and attended Florida State University. He was the first baseman on FSU’s first baseball team in 1948 and was the first Seminole to hit a double in school history. While at FSU he met Betty Galbraith and they were married in December of 1949. Bill graduated in 1950 and soon after became a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and served from 1951 to 1959 under J. Edgar Hoover. He left the F.B.I. to accept a position as the Chief of Police at Florida State University in 1959 and faithfully served the university and other law enforcement agencies until he retired in 1994.

During that time he served in many other roles including President of the National Association of College and University Traffic and Security Directors, President of the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators and President of the Tallahassee Chapter of the Power Squadron. He was awarded the Gold Key Man of the Year Award from Florida State University in 1970. He enjoyed boating, fishing, working in the yard and spending time with family. His definitive example of courage, integrity, loyalty and steadfast service will continue to inspire those who knew him for generations to come.

He leaves behind his wife, Betty; his son, Jim Tanner and wife Cindy; his daughter, Allison; and his 5 grandchildren, Benjamin Tanner, Trevor Beck, Billy Smith, Matthew Smith and Justin Smith.

Arrangements are under the direction of Culley’s Meadow Wood Funeral Home in Tallahassee Florida.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Salvation Army for Hurricane Sandy storm relief. Please sign the guest book at www.culleysmeadowwoodfuneral.com.