Longtime resident of Knox City Samuel Wesley Tankersley passed from this life into eternal life with his precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 20, 2016 at his home in The Woodlands, Texas.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at the First Baptist Church in Knox City.
Samuel was born to J.W. and Virgie Tankersley on January 9th, 1931 in Tallapoosa County, Alabama.
He graduated from Knox City High School in 1949. He served our country for four years in the Air Force, during the Korean War, attaining the rank of Staff Sargent. He had many fond memories of his time served, where he also ran a successful popcorn business on the side.
He married June Lowrey on March 2, 1955, and in September of 1956 they welcomed a daughter Linda Gayle. Samuel and June just celebrated 61 years of marriage.
He chose farming as his life’s work. He loved the land and watching things grow to maturity. He enjoyed his orchard and working in the yard where he grew zinnias for June. He also had a very successful career managing the O’Brien Coop Gin for over 20 years.
Samuel was an avid fisherman and deer hunter, and always returned with a bounty.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Knox City where he served as deacon, teacher of the Anglers class, and treasurer for more than 50 years.
Samuel was one of the best story tellers of all time- whether it was a time in the service, a deer hunt with family, the right way to run a trot line, a bed time story, a bible story, or just a life experience in general- for a man of few words he had much to share.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Ozelle Stephens, James H. (Buddy) Tankersley, Ruth Middlebrook, Estelle Hawkins, Mamie Emerson, and Virginia Adkins.
Left to cherish his memory are wife, June, Daughter, Gayle Daniel and husband Mark, Granddaughter Jamie Levet and husband Brent, Grandson David Daniel, Great Grandchildren Beau and Bella Levet.
Adored and admired by his family, respected by his friends and neighbors.
Samuel had a great love for His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and shared his faith and testimony joyfully.
A wealth of knowledge and a source of inspiration, Samuel leaves behind a rich harvest of memories to cherish, honor and emulate.