Johnnie Douglas Tanner, Sr.

Johnnie Douglas Tanner, Sr. was born on April 22, 1936, in Natchez, Mississippi. He went on to his Heavenly home on August 21, 2026, in Sibley, Louisiana.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Delia Beach, brothers Billy Tanner and James Tanner, sister Claudia Aldridge, daughter Linda Tanner Procell, grandson Rodney Joe Elliott and great grandson Caden Zeke Cantrelle.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Lola Ruth Tanner, daughters Debbie (Karl) Tanner, Glenda (David) Pennington, Pamela (Ray) Chanler and Johnny (Tamara) Tanner, Jr., 14 grandchildren Karl Cantrelle, Jr., Joshua Cantrelle, Emily Pierson, Shelby Pitts, Shelly Elliott, Jen Creel, David Elliott, Stephanie Joslin, Stephen Chanler, Justin Dawson, Amanda Mosley, Lexi Garris, Lexis Tanner and Jordan Tanner, 26 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of friends.

He was known as Johnnie, Mr. Tanner, John, JD, J, Daddy, Uncle JD, Poppa, Poppa Peanut, and Buck. Born in the Great Depression, Johnnie knew all about hard times. He was raised by his grandmother, Delia, in a small house in Roxie, Mississippi that had no electricity or running water. He began working the fields when he was eight years old and by twelve years old, he would feed the cows, hogs, and horse in the morning and milk the cows in the morning and at night. He did his homework by lamplight and never failed a subject. His life would teach him the value of hard work at an early age. He graduated high school in 1955 and began work at International Paper.

He got married at the age of 21 to the love of his life, Lola Ruth Cupstid Tanner, and oh what a love story it was. Together, they had four girls and one boy. Life was not always easy, but they made it work. He loved his children and his wife deeply and provided for them to the best of his ability. When a job played out, he would find another one. His careers would change from the paper mill to various other jobs and finally to the oilfield. It was here he would begin as a wire line operator, and end as a Petroleum Engineer. He had found his passion and boy did he leave his mark!

One thing that never changed was his love for the Lord and his love for his family. Many times, he and Ruth would take people in who had fallen on hard times or needed some direction. And it was not just a one-time thing. They took in 10+ “kids” over the years who needed a steady hand, a little direction and a lot of love. He touched the lives of so many people and made the world a better place, and in the process, showed his own children how to love others, and to be world changers just like their Daddy. And in return, those children are still showing their children and grandchildren how to share the love of Jesus to those around them.

In later years, Poppa endured numerous health issues. Through it all, he never lost his smile, his wit or his love for Jesus. He endured pain and loss and kept right on going no matter what. When he could, you would find him running nets on Toledo Bend or hunting. One of his treasured memories was his hunting trips to Colorado. He also loved to garden and in true Tanner style, he would plow up a garden the size of a football field. He loved to put up the vegetables and make his prized squash relish. He loved to dress sharp and loved to wear his cowboy boots. He nearly had a pair for every outfit. Poppa also loved to cook and when he did, that meal would feed an army. He taught us a lot about hard work, and that a man with weathered hands can still have a heart that is tender and loves God. He would tear up when he heard his favorite gospel song or a preacher talking about Jesus. Sometimes, he would even tear up watching Fox News or listening to President Donald Trump. (If you know, you know!) His heart was tender toward those in need and especially toward his wife, children and grandchildren. He taught us so much about life and love. He had been talking about going “Home“ for several weeks. On Friday, he showed us the way home. Until we meet again, we love you and we will miss you. Rest in peace, Poppa. Thank you for a life well lived. We will do our best to continue your Legacy!

Funeral services celebrating the life of Johnnie Tanner will be held Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. at City On A Hill Pentecostal Church with Bro. Andy Wilson, Bro. Jimbo Yocom, Bro. C. J. Walea, Bro. Tyler Walea, and Bro. Marvin Poole officiating. Interment will follow at Lane Memorial Cemetery in Sibley, Louisiana.

Serving as pallbearers will be his grandsons: Stephen Chanler, Wade Joslin, JP Garris, Aiden Reeves, Chad Creel, David Elliott, Brian Pierson, and Kedric Pitts.

Honorary pallbearers will be Bobby Davis, Richard Davis, Mike Moore, Danny Moore, and Daniel Crochet.