Mr. Tanner was assistant pastor of Union Grove Baptist Church, where he served faithfully for many years.

He was born in Spartanburg County August 28, 1940, to the late James Nathaniel and Emily Green Tanner.

Survivors include three sons, Gettis L. Austin of Gaffney, S.C., Bradford L. Tanner of Columbus and Jamel D. Tanner of the home; two daughters, Brenda K. Tanner of Asheville and Emma I. Lucas of Boiling Springs, S.C.; two sisters, Rev. Mammie Lee Jackson of Tryon and Polly Edwards of Landrum; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 28 at 3 p.m. at Union Grove Baptist Church, Hwy. 14, Tryon. The body will be in the church at 1 p.m.

The family will be receiving friends at the home of Rev. Mammie Jackson on Herbert Page Road, Tryon.

Cannon and Sons Mortuary, Landrum, is in charge of arrangements.