Today we wish to share with you our deepest regret for the loss of our beloved Velon "Butch" Tankersley. Born the son of Velon and Thelma Mae Tankersley during the early 1940's as his father served in the European theater during World War II. After the war and upon his father's return the family moved to Memphis, Tennessee where they made their home. After finishing high school, Butch joined the U.S. Army during the Viet Nam war and after his honorable discharge he joined the Memphis Police Department where he served his community and his fellow officers faithfully and loyally for 23 years. During the early 1950's and 60's there could have been nowhere else more exciting than Memphis, TN. He spoke fondly of living next to " The Mighty Mississippi River", its majesty and tales of intrigue by authors like Mark Twain. The wonders of boyhood summer camp, boy scouts, softball, homemade ice cream and his very own paper route, the smell of honeysuckle in the morning air and just imagine living down the street from Elvis Presley and witnessing the explosion of his music around the world. Being there for the invasion of Hollywood stars and dignitaries from around the world coming to see Graceland and the "King of Rock and Roll" and later being and escort for Elvis and eventually standing guard at his gravesite. "It was a time, Oh, what a time it was…" Butch was known to most of the officers as "Tank". He also served for five years on the Tactical Unit there and won numerous awards from the city for his police work. He is mentioned in a book called "The Memphis Murders" by Gerald Meyer about the serial Killer of Memphis during 1969. He recalled to his friends and family his many tales of adventure as only he could relate with his softly spoken southern drawl that we all loved.
Butch was always a gentleman with a big heart and a strong love of country. He made many friends in Arizona and loved being with his adopted family here. His warm and friendly smile will be missed by all who knew him, especially his friends from Allied Tube in Phoenix, and his brothers and sisters in Christ at Cowboy Church in Casa Grande. He loved spending days with all of them, but, no one will miss him more than his family.
He leaves behind his devoted and loving wife of thirty four years Mrs. Connie Tankersley, a stepdaughter Mrs Kelly King and her husband Fred, granddaughters; Meghan King Carter, Ashley King. Mr.and Ms. Corbin King and sons Brayden and Caleb, all of whom reside in Gilbert, Arizona. He so loved the wonderful memories they all made for him. He is also survived by his sister, Mrs. Laura Tankersley Angel and her husband Johnny, nephews and nieces; Lee, Cindy, Bill, Chris all of Tennessee. He was preceeded in death by a son, Joseph Tankersley. Other family members of Tennessee are Selina, Michael and Lynn Tankersley and Ms. Hollie Harrison and family of Dallas Texas and Ms. Margaret King of Tempe, Arizona . We would also like to thank our dearest cousins in Houston Texas, Lynn and Fran Tankersley who provided us the love and support throughout the many days and months of trials. Day or night , always being there for us and we love and cherish them so very much.
We wish all who desire to make your thoughts and memories known may do so on the family web page at the following link:




Please join us on Sunday, March 23, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at Mariposa Gardens funeral Home Chapel for visitation, fellowship and opportunity to share memories of Butch, 400 South Power Road, Mesa, Arizona 85206, 480-830-4422. Final commital services will take place at a later date at Rest Hills Memorial Park, 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock, Arkansas.