Robert Tanner Obituary
Robert Lee Tanner was born on March 3, 1945, in Otter Creek, Florida, to David Lee Tanner and Edith Strong McNeal. He was raised with the guidance and care of his stepfather, Merrill McNeal.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Lillian Dempsey. He is survived by his sister, Delores Jackson, and brothers Frederick McNeal (Cynthia), Merrill McNeal (Betty), and Joseph McNeal (Lola), as well as many nieces and nephews that he taught to hunt, fish and walk in the woods. Robert graduated from Williston High School in 1962 and attended Hampton Junior College in Ocala (now the College of Central Florida). He owned a barber shop in St. Augustine before joining the U.S. Army in 1966, where he served honorably for three years.
In 1969, he married Frieda Harrison and built a strong loving relationship and family for 56 years. From 1982 until his retirement in 2005, Robert worked as a Wildlife Officer with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. He was the first black Wildlife Officer in the State of Florida where he served the residents of Polk County.
He is survived by his children, Robert Lee Tanner Jr. (Debra) and Pamela Tanner Monroe (Michael). Grandchildren: Brent Monroe (Charise), Robert David Tanner, Michael Troy Monroe, David Monroe, Charla Harris and Vernon Davis Jr. and great- grandchildren Gabe and Persephone Monroe. Robert will be remembered for his service to his family, his country, and the people of Florida
Funeral Mass will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, February 6,2026 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 653 Miccosukee Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32308. Burial will be 1:00 P.M. Monday, February 9, 2026 at the Tallahassee National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, P.O. Box 11010, Tallahassee, Fl. 32302, (850) 922-1066.
On behalf of the staff and management of Strong & Jones Funeral Home, Inc., we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Robert Lee Tanner.
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