Bill J. Tankersley, 75, of Orange, CA and Hot Springs, AR, passed away in the arms of his loving wife, Barbara, on Friday, November 9.
Bill met Barbara in 1958, and six weeks later, they were husband and wife. Deeply devoted partners, Bill and Barbara were inseparable for the next 49 years. Bill thought that his kids walked on water; he was ever proud of Rhonda, Andy, and Dave, and the fine, caring people they grew to be. Bill treasured time spent with his grandsons, Jeff, Tory, and Casey.
Known for his sense of humor and entrepreneurial spirit he drew people to him wherever he traveled. In the truest sense, Bill never met a stranger, and he cherished every friend he had. Anyone that Bill called a friend was a friend for life.
Bill is survived by his wife Barbara, daughter, Rhonda (Robert) Scott of Las Vegas, and sons Andrew (Kim) of San Pedro, and David (Sandy) Tankersley of Garden Grove. He will be missed by his three grandsons, Jeffry Tankersley of Fallon, NV, and Tory and Casey Scott of Las Vegas. He is also survived by his brother, Odell (Dorothy) Tankersley of Laguna Woods, and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will take place at 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 17 at Lake Hills Community Church, 23331 Moulton Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 with a Celebration of Bill’s life immediately to follow.
Barbara Tankersley
You have been gone from us for almost two years now and it is still so hard to go on without you. All I can say hon is save me a place.
Jeff Tankersley
He was my grandpa, but he had more to do with my life and how I turned out than any other man. He is severely missed, and will always hold a place in my heart. Love ya Pappaw.
Kathleen (Wood) Seabourne
Bill was my mother (Bonnie Tankersley Wood) youngest brother and when my brother Jerry and I were little and then a little older Bill lived with us off and on and became more than an uncle, he became our brother. I was there when Bill and Barbara got married in a little marriage chapel in Houston and got to go over to their apartment and spend time with them. I loved Barbara as much as did Bill and I know that they both knew how special they were to us. My younger brother James and sister Laurie, were so much younger than Jerry and I that they never had the blessing of being with him so much. My mother loved all of her brothers, Murphy who died so young of heart problems, Odell who has been so much of a rock for the family during Bill's illness and his death. And then there was Bill. I know that Momma, Murphy and Bill are reminising in Heaven and I can't wait to be with them. God bless us everyone and my special blessings to the immediate family. My love, Kathy
Dick Rainwaters
Barbara and Family:
We're praying for God's blessing on your life as you carry on without my good friend, Bill. You two were a vital part of my life and I will always cherish the times we had together.
Bill was more like a brother than a friend to me. Bill and I were born and raised just a few miles apart in Arkansas and our parents were well acquainted. We both were stationed at Lowry Air Force Base at the same time, but Bill and I never met until after we were in our 30's while living in California.
After that first meeting, it was as if we had always been together. We shared many good times and business ventures, some profitable, but many not so profitable. In recent years many miles separated us, but we stayed in touch. We also shared a heavenly inheritance to which I look forward in a short while to a glorious reunion (1 Peter 1:3-9).
Dick Rainwaters
Barbara and Family:
We're praying for God's blessing on your life as you carry on without my good friend, Bill. You two were a vital part of my life and I will always cherish the times we had together.
Bill was more like a brother than a friend to me. Bill and I were born and raised just a few miles apart in Arkansas and our parents were well acquainted. We both were stationed at Lowry Air Force Base at the same time, but Bill and I never met until after we were in our 30's while living in California.
After that first meeting, it was as if we had always been together. We shared many good times and business ventures, some profitable, but many not so profitable. In recent years many miles separated us, but we stayed in touch. We also shared a heavenly inheritance to which I look forward in a short while to a glorious reunion (1 Peter 1:3-9).
Sally Hecker
I am so sorry for your loss...I was wondering if there was any connection to Ted (Theodore) Tankersley, who was my great uncle, by marriage. He and my great aunt Lois (Goodwin)moved from OK to NY, then to Bell, CA. He was a Baptist preacher. Please forgive me, if there is no connection, and again, I am so sorry for your loss.
Bernee' Rosno ~ RGarden, Long Beach, CA
Bill was a one of a kind guy that you had to love.
I cannot believe he's left us to enter his eternal destiny. Our loss heaven's gain. I cannot believe I will not get an email from him tomorrow or the next day.... this is so hard Lord!
I still cry thinking about how much I loved this big guy, how kind he was to me, and how much he expanded my horizons, and how much I am missing that twinkle in his eye, big smile, and huge hugs.
Bill we will love you forever and we will be seeing you one day for another meeting in Heaven. How glorius!
Thank you for 7 great years of knowing you and your many families of friends. We will remain in touch...
Bless you Barbara and give you strength each day until you and Bill meet again. We continue to love you.
Mildred Saunders
To my sister, Bobby: I know that Bill was a great husband to you and a great father to the kids, that always showed great patience. He truly loved his family. I know that you will miss him more than words can say. I will be thinking of you, and will miss talking to Bill very much.
Love,
Millie
Sandy Wootten
Aunt Bobbi, Rhonda, Andy, and David,
I just wanted to tell you all how sorry I am about your Dad. Although I never really got to spend a great deal of time around Uncle Bill, I know that he was a loving man with a kind spirit, who cherished and took great care of his family. I know you will find comfort in your lifelong memories, and the fact that he is no longer suffering.
Love,
Sandra
Donita Hudspeth
My memories of Uncle Bill began many years ago in Fort Smith after he married Aunt Bobbie. Uncle Bill was always so kind, generous, friendly and warm. I doubt anyone ever felt anything but Welcome in his presence. I know the past few months have been very difficult. Although it's so hard to lose someone you love, know that he's in a much better place, free from pain and worries. Your memories ensure that you didn't really lose him in spite of how empty it feels right now. Rhonda, Andy, and Dave----my sisters, brother, and I know very much how you feel. While it never feels okay----you will have better days. You will always cherish the wonderful Father and husband who blessed your life. Love, Donita
Laura Clarice (Wood) Stout
Uncle Bill was a wonderful uncle. I am so sorry for all your suffering. I know it is very hard to lose your parent, or spouse.
Uncle Bill is hanging out with my mom (Bonnie Jean) now. I'm sure they are having fun.
I love you all, and Uncle Bill was a wonderful uncle, man and friend.
I'll never forget everything he has done for us, from being so sweet to my dad when he got sick (Norman), to coming to my wedding. It meant a lot to me to have him, Aunt Barbara and Dave there.
I'm so sorry.
Love,
Laurie
Tami & Ted Dorrell
Dear Aunt Bobbie,
We are so sorry about the passing of Uncle Bill. He was truly a wonderful man! My earliest memory of Uncle Bill was at Fort Smith. He always was so kind and gentle. He continued to be that way through out his life. Ted felt like he welcomed him from the beginning! Thank you for letting him be a part of our lives. Our prayers & thoughts are with you and your family. Tell your children I feel their pain. Your heart is in your throat, and you just can't seem to swallow. Much love to you all.
Betty Parker Martin, 600 Pakis St.#34,Hot Springs, AR 71913-6578
Some of my favorite childhood mmemories are
visiting the home of Uncle Pearl and Aunt Clarice Tankersley and playing with Billy Joe,
Odell, and seeing Murphy & Bonnie Jean.
Your family is in my prayers, I am sorry I did
not stay in touch with Billy Joe and have missed knowing his family.
Jim and Beverly Wilhelm
We can't remember how long ago we met Bill, because we feel like we have known him always. To know him was to love him. He was more than just a friend to us, he was like family. We moved too far away to see Bill very often but he always kept in touch with us. We will dearly miss that wonderful, unmistakable deep voice calling up to ask us how we were doing...and promising to come visit us as soon as he was feeling well enough to drive. Tragically that time was never to come. We will forever treasure the memories we have of this loving, sweet, giant teddy bear we called friend, who loved his God, his family and his friends without reserve.
Barbara, our love goes out to you and your family. We pray that God will give you peace and comfort as you lay to rest this sweet prince of a man.
Lovingly,
Jim and Beverly
Rhonda Scott
Dear Daddy,I cant believe your gone, u wouldnt believe how bad i miss you, I have a whole in my heart that cant ever be filled again. Thank you for your unconditional love, the amazing childhood u gave us. The love you gave to my sons , your grandsons, They adored you as so did I. Not many children can say they had a perfect childhood but I can. Not once did I ever hear my Parents raise there voices to each other in anger. There was so much love in our house. I will miss you everyday til I join you in heaven.......Rest in bease beautiful Father. I love you always...XOXOXO Rhonda aka sissy
Kola and Rae Oyenuga
Bill was a true friend. a man of great humility, wisdom, compassion, sense of humor, intelligence and genorosity. In Bill's peresence you always felt good about yourself because he had that amazing way of making you feel important. I am glad we got to tell him these things.
Rae and I will always remeber our meetings at Dennys restaurant, dreaming again about a new found way to make it big. He was a man of great optimism and you could always tell that he was a man of genuine kindness by observing the honrable way that he treated his wonderful wife Barbara when ever you were around them. They really were a great team.
We miss him much, and yet were are happy to celebrate his life and the fact that he has gone on, to meet our lord and savior Jessus Christ, to hear him say "Well done, my good and faithful servant". We urge all, to honor Bill by continuing to honor his wife Barbara. My friend Bill, left behind a great legacy of Hope, love and strength. God bless his family.
The Oyenugas
Eph. 3:19-21
Suze Dodd
Bill is one of the kindest men I'd ever met. It's nice to know that his children have followed in his footsteps, to be very kind and loving people as well. I know he is very proud of them.
He was a good provider for his family.
He had a quick wit that brought laughter and smiles everywhere he went and he did a really good impression of "Karl" in Sling Blade!
He will be greatly missed by all.
Love, Suze