Illustrious Joe Tanksley

On Saturday morning, August 15, 2015, Illustrious Joe "Joseph" Tanksley arose and began his usual routine. However, midmorning the Lord called him home. Illustrious Joe Tanksley, age 68, of Toledo, passed away at home. He was born the youngest triplet on November 10, 1946 to George and JohnElla (Thames) Tanksley in Newton, Mississippi.

Illustrious Joe Tanksley was a strong Christian warrior for the Lord because he loved the Lord. He was a loving husband, father, and a great friend. Joe had a great smile and he never met a stranger. He cherished his family and he loved watching TV especially westerns, his favorite football team, the Dallas Cowboys and favorite baseball team, the New York Yankees. Joe was an avid swimmer and he loved to exercise and travel.

Illustrious Joe "Joseph" Tanksley was a former United States Marine who fought in the Vietnam War. He was also in the Ohio Army National Guard 323rd Military Police. Joe was a 33rd degree mason in the International Free and Accepted Modern Masons and Order of the Eastern Star. He was an Ohio Marshal Council President, crowned King of the Marshal Council 2008 – 2009, past Worshipful Master of Robert Green Lodge 225 and he held several other titles in the masonry. Joe was a member of the American Legion Post 553. He was a devoted member of Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, superintendent of the Sunday School and chaplain of the usher board.

Illustrious Joe Tanksley graduated from N.H. Pilate High School in Newton, Mississippi. He attended Jackson State University before enlisting in the Marine Corps. Joe was employed by the Pilliod Cabinet Company of Swanton, OH and Chrysler Jeep as a team leader prior to retiring in 2008.

Illustrious Joe Tanksley is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Wanda (Kirtz) Tanksley; son, Joseph Lamont (Kimberly) Tanksley; daughter, Iesha Tanksley; granddaughter, Floressa Williams; sister, Carolyn (Henry) Beamon; triplet sister, June (Carl) Harper; brother, Bobby Clarence (Dorothy) Berry; special friends and mason brothers, Illustrious Leon Foreman and Illustrious Ernest Ferrell; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his triplet sister, Jane Coleman; brother, Willie Lee Tanksley; and sister, Ethel Woodard.

The family will receive guests on Tuesday, August 25, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 2008 Valentine, Toledo 43605 with Funeral Services beginning at 12 Noon at the church. The Masonic Ritual will be held at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Forest Cemetery. The Newcomer Funeral Home – NW Chapel (419-473-0300) assisted the family with professional services.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Buckeye Grand Lodge, 6651 Deer Court, Bedford Heights, OH 44146 or to the family.