Charles Harris Tanner

"Surely the Presence of the Lord is in This Place..."

Charles Harris Tanner, son of Otis Candler & Alma Estelle Tanner, died peacefully at home September 2, 2023.

Charles was born in Arabi, Georgia on December 5, 1936. It was truly a dark and stormy night so much so that the doctor who delivered him was killed by an on-coming train in the terrible storm.  Charles attended Sylvester High School, graduating in 1955 after being voted "Best Looking". Immediately after graduation, Charles enlisted into the United States Navy where he served honorably and with distinction and shined as a Dental Technician. While in the Navy, he met his future wife Elaine, while visiting family stationed at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia.  After his discharge, he and Elaine married in 1960 and welcomed their only child, a daughter, in 1961. Charles and Elaine spent their lives together, loving and cherishing each other in a very happy marriage for over 62 years.

Charles was honest and hardworking. After being raised on a farm where work began at sunrise and ended at sunset, he was naturally a hard worker at National Linen, where his starting salary was $56.00 per week as a Route Operator. He rose rapidly through the ranks, moving his small family often, and 36 years later when he retired, he was running one of the largest Linen plants in the country for ALSCO, who had purchased National Linen a year or so before Charles retired. Charles was so proficient and knowledgeable about all the ins and outs of the laundry/linen business, he was called many times and actually travelled to a few of the more struggling plants.  His wisdom and good humor was always valued.  He never said his employees worked FOR him, he always said they worked WITH him.  Besides, as Charles always said about his profession, "...at the end of the day, it's just washing and ironing."

Charles was also known for meeting entire strangers while sitting on a bench, standing in line, etc. and charming them with his shining personality and humor.  It should be no surprise that many of these chance encounters turned into life-long friendships. You will never find a finer true Southern gentleman, a finer husband, father, grandfather and friend than Charles Harris Tanner.

Charles is survived by his wife of 62 years, Elaine, his daughter Tamarra (Tami), his granddaughter Amy, who was the true apple of his eye, a sister, Glenice T. Morris, and brother, Culmer O. Tanner along with numerous  nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Charles was interred at the Jacksonville National Cemetery on September 28, 2023. He is greatly missed and dearly loved.

"It is Well With My Soul..."