October 26, 1946 – January 18, 2026
Roy Tankersley, age 79 of Cowan, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 18, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Palmer, Tennessee on October 26, 1946, to the late Clarence Harding and Alta Mae (Ellis) Tankersley. Before his retirement, Roy worked for many years in tree service. An avid sportsman, he enjoyed a good game of golf and coached various sports over this lifetime, his favorite being basketball. He had a wonderful personality, never meeting a stranger, and was an animal lover. A good milkshake was a real treat, but the time spent with his beloved grandchildren was what Roy cherished most. He was of the Christian faith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by stepfather, Ted Smith; and brother, Sonny Tankersley. Roy is survived by his loving wife of forty-eight years, Penny Tankersley; sons, Bart (Ashley) Tankersley and Brett Tankersley; grandchildren, Knox and Lexi; sister, Glenda Smith; special friends, Johnny (Debbie) Willis, Dr. DuWayne (Beckye) Glasner; and Glen (Sandy) Shaw; four-legged best friend, Elvis; several nieces and nephews; bonus son, Tad Geltz; and bonus granddaughter, Miller Geltz. A memorial gathering will be held from 2:30-4:15pm on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will follow at 4:15pm in the Chapel of Moore-Cortner Funeral Home with Bro. Joe Rutherford and Dr. Carey Holman officiating. Mike Blackwell, Jim Brock, David Guess, Dr. Alan Hyde, Major Scott Metcalf, Larry Nard, Andrew Sons, Josh Sons, and Nic Willis will serve as honorary pallbearers. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, (931)-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com.
