William Franklin Tankersley

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William Franklin Tankersley, age 98, a longtime resident of Columbia, died Saturday, August 2, 2025 in Lewisburg.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Greg Daimwood and songleaders George Thompson and Casey Rogers officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery with military honors provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 12:00 noon until 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Memorials may be made to Rose Hill Cemetery P.O. Box 1511 Columbia, TN 38402 or the charity of choice.

He was born on October 20, 1926 in Marshall County, TN to the late Eddie Long Tankersley, Sr. and the late Margaret Louise Hill Tankersley. He served in the United States Coast Guard Merchant Marines for four years on different ships during WWII. On July 12, 1947 he married Sadie Elaine Jones Tankersley and she preceded him in death after 76 years of marriage on March 30, 2024. He worked for Columbia Power and Water Systems for 50 years, retiring as a purchasing agent.

William always had a love of singing, he along with his wife were charter members and instrumental in forming the Diana Singing. He started serving as a church song leader for Water Valley church of Christ, served at Church Street church of Christ in Lewisburg for 30 years and finally at Ephesus church of Christ where he was an active member. He also was known as a “donor champion” with the American Red Cross and a member of the Anytime Singers group.

Survivors include his daughter in law, Cookie Tankersley; grandson, James William (Constance) Tankersley; granddaughter, Elizabeth Poarch; great grandchildren, Maci Poarch, John David Tankersley, and Andi Leigh Tankersley; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his son, Billy Ross Tankersley on August 19, 2021; sister, Elizabeth Tankersley Mayse; brother, Eddie Tankersley, Jr.

Active pallbearers will be Andrew Tomlin, Brandon Houchen, Tom Ferguson, Roscoe Voss, Ken Harris and Wendell Jump. Honorary pallbearers will be Benny Matthews, David Jent, Tex Hopkins, and the Anytime Singers group.