James Franklin Tanksley

James Franklin Tanksley, 76, of Crossett, died Monday, January 4, 2016 at Ashley County Medical Center in Crossett.  He was born October 18, 1939 to Frank and Myrtle Tanksley in Jerome, Arkansas.  He loved to hunt, fish, and grow vegetables in his garden.  James worked at Chase Bag Company for 21 years and was a member of New Life Church in Crossett. 

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by four brothers, Milderd Tanksley, Travis Tanksley, Charles Tanksley, and Clyde Tanksley; five sisters, Easter Cone, Josie Kelly, Lila Atticosons, Eula Martin, and Gladys Ricks; and two children, “Sister”, and James Franklin Tanksley, Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lavenia Pack Tanksley of Crossett; two daughters, Eloise Tanksley of McGhee, and Bonnie Parks and husband James of Crossett; one sister, Maudie Harper of Crossett; one brother-in-law, Kenneth Pack of Hot Springs; three sisters-in-law, Linda Bowling of Florida, Betty Pack of New Mexico, and Evelyn Tanksley of Crossett; eight grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be from 6-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 5, at New Life Church, 908 MLK, Jr. Blvd, Crossett, AR

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 6, also at New Life Church with Pastor Ricky Pack officiating followed by an interment at Parkdale Cemetery.  Pallbearers are Joey Parks, James Parks, Jr., L.M. Stewart, Johnny Steve Tanksley, Billy Clyde Tanksley, and Frankie Lee Tanksley.  Honorary Pallbearers are Marvin Ricks, Frank Edward Ricks, Bill Collier and Jerry Smith.

Medders Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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