Gary Wayne Tanner

Gary Tanner Obituary

Gary Wayne Tanner

Nashville - Gary Wayne Tanner (GT) - Nashville/Portland, Age 73 passed away, April 28, 2018. Survived by wife, Judith, daughter Tabbetha, grandson Tanner Muller. Bodybuilding Competor. Mr USA 1985 over 40 & 5 Tennessee Titles.

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Published by Tennessean on May 6, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Tanner

Sponsored by The Tennessean.

14 Entries

Mike Norris

February 18, 2023

I met Gary many years ago in the mid to late seventies at Nautilus Gym in Madison Square in Nashville. Didn't know him too well at the time but knew he was a hard worker and held some titles in Bodybuilding. It wouldn't be until about 2003 when my wife and I were looking for a gym in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee and she came home one day and said she'd found a nice gym that was run by a guy named G.T. At the time I didn't give it a thought of it being Gary Tanner, but when I went to check it out, it turned out to be Gary's gym, which my wife and I both joined. I got to know Gary very well and we became pretty close friends and we talked a LOT about the "old days" back in the sixties, seventies, and eighties. Unfortunately, he had to close the gym and liquidate a lot of the equipment and he and Judith moved away to north middle Tennessee. He called me and was excited for me to come and see the gym he had set up on his property. I told him that I would but as life happens I procrastinated. I finally called him to make a date and time to come see his gym and train with him but no answer. I tried several times, left messages, texted etc, but never got in touch with him and I didn't have Judith's number. Then a week or two later I saw a blurb on Facebook or one of the social media forums where Judith had posted his passing. I was absolutely shocked, and most of all sad. I was also very angry at myself for not going to see him sooner. Gary was a character, and I still miss him to this day, February 18th 2023. I just happened to stumble on this obituary tonight. I didn't know anything about his services or anything and had tried to get in touch with Judith to no avail. R.I.P. my friend. You are missed. Lesson learned is, go see your friends and family. You never know when the last time will be that you see them.

Michael Menendez

April 30, 2021

Gary, it has been nearly two years since I heard of your passing. I knew something was not right that afternoon when Judith came to buy eggs, got them and walked toward her car without saying a word. I knew something was wrong, so I asked her and I was shocked at what I heard.

Last night I was washing and packing eggs to take to the Farmers Market this Saturday and, out of nowhere, I thought I heard your thunderous voice. Our minds are very powerful and sometimes very realistic, likely I was just subconsciously remembering you. But, who knows, maybe I felt your presence looking after me.

Gary, I miss you coming by and getting your eggs for your protein shakes. I miss talking about our country and where we are headed. Gary, I have less of an answer today than the day you left us. I'm worried, bud!

Hang in, we'll join you some day . . . just don't know when. But, when it happens we won't have to call each other on a cell phone. We will just talk face-to-face sitting by His side.

May the Lord bless your soul bud!

Michael Menendez

May 14, 2019

It was just today I heard of Gary's passing. Gary was a vibrant and kind man who, above all, loved his family, our country and our nation's military.

To Judith,Tabitha and the rest of the family, please accept my most sincere condolences. It saddens me much not to have found out about Gary's passing when it happened.

Gary, may the Lord bless your soul!

May 2, 2019

Those who pass on God keep in his memory because he cares for them sorry for your loss.

May 1, 2019

Sincere condolences to the family of Gary,may gods loving kindness give comfort and peace.
1Cor.1:3,4

Phil Campbell

March 19, 2019

I knew Gary from the Nautilus Gym in Madison in the 70s. Gary taught me a lot about strength training.
I moved out of state, but still checked on my old friend from time-to-time. I was so proud to learn of his bodybuilding titles.
He worked so hard and could keep on the meat and water diet that would drive most people crazy.
I remember one time Gary was going through a transitional period and wanted to go see Arnold in Florida at Kings High School. I didn't really want to go but Gary's enthusiasm for life, his big smile, and my respect for all he taught me, I agreed and drove. We talked the whole trip down and back.
We saw Arnold and he walked right beside us going into the auditorium. Arnold was advertised as 6'2" and huge, but he was about 5'10 and was much smaller as he was making the movie Stay Hungry. I remember saying "Gary you are bigger than Arnold."
I'll never forget that unplanned trip that Gary talked me into doing. I can tell you that Gary Tanner has always loved people and wanted to help them exercise and build muscle. In many respects, he was way ahead of trainers today because when the world was saying don't lift, run. Gary knew this was not right. He knew everyone of all ages needed to do regular strength training. The research today clearly shows that Gary was right. And what he did for his clients and members of his gyms was on the money decades before the science, which is now proving Gary Tanner methods were correct.
If you were a member of his gym or trained by him, you were getting the best of the best training direction by a guy who loved people and went through life helping others improve the quality of their lives by giving them more energy for life.
Rest in peace brother. You helped lots of people.

Jeff Croy

August 28, 2018

Met Gary at American Fitness in Goodlettsville. We rode that Corvette a good bit and flew together numerous times at Cornelia Fort. I called Gary about three years ago and we promised to get together
soon. Never break that promise to an old friend. I had the distinct honor of introducing Gary and Judith
from the airport connection years ago. Today is August 28th, I just found this obituary, Judy, Tabbetha, I'll
always miss that great big smile and that genuine laugh. Gary hung out at the house behind the funeral home when I worked for Phillips-Robinson. Gosh, I wish I could talk with him one more time. The thing about us getting older is we cannot make any new old friends. I've lost an old friend for sure. Rest easy old friend. Peaceful....easy.

Cheryl Bevill

May 8, 2018

How sad I am to hear of this. I grew up with him and know how sweet he always was. Heaven is shouting joy.

Tony Cochran

May 7, 2018

Hi Judith - It's been some time since I've visited with you or Gary. Gary assisted me with some seminars back in the early days and I'm going to relate a story to you that happened with Gary and myself. We were traveling to Illinois to present a seminar and we stopped at a Shoney's to grab a bite. Never will forget, I ordered spaghetti and a coke and since Gary was in training he just ordered a glass of water. When I finished my meal, I was not asked by any waitress if I wanted anything, needed anything, but Gary ended up with 5 glasses of water in front of him. I counted the waitresses and there was 5. Each one of them brought him a glass of water in order to get a good look at him. Needless to say, I told him the next meal, he would have to sit on the curb while I ate. We both had a big laugh over that. I considered Gary a true friend and am sorry we lost contact over the years. At least, we know he is in a better place.

Robb Child

May 7, 2018

Met Gary back in the mid 80s working out at American Fitness in Goodlettsville. I asked Gary all about what it took to look as healthy as he was winning Mr. Tennessee, he was very honest about all the work and the expense of building ones body for competition. Ive always appreciated him taking the time to explain what goes into being a champion bodybuilder, I gave it up after just 2 years, but glad Gary went on to win so many titles. He was very sincere and Ill always remember him for that.

1985 Mr. USA over 40

May 6, 2018

2007 Last Competiiton

May 6, 2018

May 5, 2018

So sorry to hear about Gary we thought six months but we didn't hear anything we didn't know what to do. We want you to know that we really liked Gary and we were glad we got to meet you both. Larry and I really like you Judith and would like to be an ongoing friend. Cancer is a terrible disease , a cruel disease we try to give as often as we can to cancer research. If you need us or like to get together call us. Love, Larry and Janice Green

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