Robert Walker Tankersley Jr.

TANKERSLEY, Robert Walker Jr., of Richmond, passed away Monday, June 17, 2013. He was born June 18, 1927 in Watsonville, Calif. He grew up in Sacramento, Calif. and spent his summers in Long Beach. During World War II, he joined the Merchant Marines and then enlisted in the Army. After the war he enrolled at Stanford University, earning his Bachelor's degree in 1951 and his PhD in Microbiology in 1955. Upon graduation, he accepted a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Minnesota. In 1960, Bob moved to Richmond, Va., where he was employed at the Medical College of Virginia as assistant professor in Microbiology. He also worked in research at A. H. Robins Pharmaceutical Company for many years as director of Molecular Biology and retired in 1990. Bob had many hobbies. He enjoyed the outdoors, sharing his love of nature with his children and grandchildren through hiking, canoeing and gardening. He enjoyed historical reenactments, playing the country doctor the Virginia State Fair, and was a member of the Richmond Concert Band. Dr. Tankersley is survived by this loving family, including his wife of 61 years, Lois Josephine Tankersley; three daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and Leonard Holmes of Williamsburg, Va., Robin and Brian Cahill of San Diego, Calif., and Lauren and Michael Werner of Ashland, Va.; four grandchildren, Allison Dorbad (Rob), Kathleen Holmes, Jocelyn Werner and Jennifer Werner also two great-grandchildren, Lincoln and Josephine Dorbad. The family will receive friends Saturday, June 22, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Road. Interment private, In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzhiemer's Association or Meals on Wheels. Online condolences may be made at woodyfuneralhomeparham.com