Leroy Tanksley

Leroy F. Tanksley, 77, of the Orange community, died early Friday morning, November 29, 2013, at his residence. Leroy was born in Lewis County, Kentucky on September 11, 1936 to Frank and Thelma Roberts Tanksley and attended school in Vanceburg, Kentucky. He came to Connersville to work and met the former Patricia Jo Sturgeon whom he married December 23, 1956 at Calvary Baptist Church. For over 20 years, he was employed at National Metal in Connersville and later worked at Detroit Steel in Morristown. Leroy owned and operated Tanksley Excavating for 35 years. He enjoyed being outdoors among nature, fishing and gardening. Leroy was a hard worker and his chewing tobacco was his constant companion. Leroy’s family wishes to thank Sheehan Cancer Center in Rushville for all the love and care given to him. Leroy is survived by his wife of almost 57 years; his children: Rick L. Tanksley of Fayette County and his companion, Cindy Fee: Kathy L. Younts of Rush County and her companion, Ray Barrows; Connie S. Lay and her husband, Randy of Arlington; seven grandchildren: Chad Younts, Krista Tanksley, Shawn Tanksley, Shannon Wood, Amanda Hundley, Christopher Tanksley, James Lay; his sister: Mary Hallgarth of Greenfield; his best friend: Brent Gossett of Fayette County; nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Leroy is preceded in death by two brothers: William and Lester Tanksley; and two sisters: Priscilla Polley and Helen Frye. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville with Rev. James Hundley of the Bible Baptist Fellowship Church in Harrison, Ohio, officiating. Interment will follow in Orange Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com