Mr. Howard William Tankersley, Jr., age 67, of Rocky Face, Georgia, departed this life on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at CHI Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Born on May 20, 1957, in McCaysville, Georgia, Howard was the son of the late Howard William and Elene Patterson Tankersley, Sr.  He dedicated his career to the carpet industry, working with latex and adhesives and was a former partner at Polycom Industries. Howard was also a valued member of Crosspointe Dalton Church.

Howard had a deep love of people, making friends, working in the yard, and on his trucks. Known for his genuine, kind-hearted nature, Howard never met a stranger; he had a remarkable ability to strike up a conversation and make a lasting connection with anyone he met.

He is survived by his beloved wife of forty years, Deidre Reeves Tankersley; his sons and their families: Adam and Tiffany Tankersley, along with their children Kate and Klaire of Rocky Face, GA, and Jacob and Shay Tankersley, along with their children Lucca and Stella of Brandenburg, KY. Howard is also survived by his siblings and their spouses: Etta and Billy Franks of Tunnel Hill, GA, Norma and Bill Boyd of Athens, TN, Betty and Steve Jeffers of Dalton, GA, Wayne and Kathy Tankersley of Calhoun, GA, and David and Cindy Tankersley of Chatsworth, GA, as well as several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Howard's life will be held on Wednesday morning, August 28, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel, with Pastor Stan Lester and Reverend Mike Douglas officiating. Howard will be laid to rest at West Hill Cemetery, with Michael Boyd, Jackson Smith, Eddie Albertson, David Miles, Larry Buske, and Brandon Dempsey serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, and after 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday until the service hour.

Howard will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his love of the Lord, and his unwavering kindness. His presence will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Arrangements by Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, GA, 30721.   706-226-4002 "A Selected Independent Funeral Home"