Obituary of William C. Tanner Sr.

William C. Tanner, Sr. passed away at home early in the Morning of May 2, 2023. William was born on March 31, 1931 in Philadelphia, PA to his parents Calvert Tanner and the former Catherine Richardson. From the age of 7, he was raised in Beverlyville, VA. where he attended the Julius Rosenwald School in Heathsville, VA. He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Shiloh Baptist Church, Burgess, VA. He often returned “home” and attended services there throughout his adult life.

After Graduating from High School he continued his education at Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA. from which he graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry. Having participated in the ROTC Program at “State,” he attained the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and served two years in the United States Army stationed in Germany. After active duty, he returned to the US and continued service to his country as a member of the Army Reserves for many years. He retired from the Reserves having gained the rank of Major.

One of the greatest blessings of Bill’s life was when he met his future wife Glenis at the Virginia State ROTC Ball. After his return from Germany, they were married on August 7, 1954. That was the beginning of a wonderful marriage of nearly 69 years!

Bill and Glenis relocated to NJ settling in Newark before eventually purchasing a home in Union, NJ. with Bill beginning his long tenured job at Picatinny Arsenal, Dover NJ. When the hour-long commute became too much to endure, Bill built a home in Roxbury, NJ where he lived until the end of his life.

While at Picatinny Arsenal, Bill worked as a Chemical Engineer. Often he was involved in the development of many “Top Secret” and “Classified” Projects. He retired from Picatinny, which was under the Department of the Army, in 1990 after completing 36 years of Service.

Retirement was good for Bill and Glenis. They enjoyed traveling and visited many places. One of their most memorable trips was a cruise to Alaska. Most of all they enjoyed sitting on the patio poolside enjoying the fruits of their labor.

Bill was active in many organizations throughout his lifetime including Life Membership in the NAACP, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the V.F.W Post 391 of Mine Hill, NJ, and the U.S. Power Squadron having served as a Past Commander.

He leaves to cherish fond memories his devoted wife Glenis, three children Karen Tanner-Oliphant of Union, NJ, Kim Baker (Ivan) of Rahway, NJ, and William C. Tanner, Jr. (Pamela) of Virginia Beach VA; 5 Grandchildren Anthony Baker (Natalia) of Riverview, MI, Ashleigh Aiken (Patrick) of West Columbia, SC, Christopher Oliphant of Union, NJ, Michael Oliphant of Union, NJ, Raven Tanner of Virginia Beach VA; and 3 Great-Grandchildren Jeremiah and Amelia Baker of Riverview MI and Aleighna Aiken of West Columbia, SC.

Visitation for William C. Tanner will be held on May 8, 2023 from 4:00PM to 7:00PM at Tuttle Funeral Home 

Funeral Service for William C. Tanner will be held May 9, 2023 from 10:00AM-11:00AM at Tuttle Funeral Home. Livestream option will be avaialbe here:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81785784484 

Followed by interment at  Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery 350 Province Line Rd Wrightstown, NJ.