David Tanner

David "Mike" Tanner, age 56, went to be with his Lord on Saturday January 14, 2017 after a hard fought battle against stage 4 pancreatic cancer. From the time of his diagnosis on Nov 19, 2015, he was at peace. When I asked him the morning of January 20th if he was afraid, his response was,” No, that man that sat on my bed last night told me everything was going to be ok and not to worry.” No man ever came in his room that night. This past year, he never worried and was always at peace no matter how bad he felt. God gives us peace if we just have the faith to accept it. We had many open discussions about death over the past year, he was prepared and knew he was going to meet Jesus. Mike is survived by his wife of 36 years Brenda (Townsend), daughter Kimberly, son Jonathan, father James "Ice Cream" Tanner, brother Jim (Julie) and many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Maxine (Thackston). Mike was a loving and devoted husband and father. He worked hard to provide for his family but always found time to have family time; playing pinochle was one of our favorite games. Mike loved nothing more than spontaneous weekend trips especially if they involved history or nature. Mike spent 4 years in the army serving his country at Fort Hood, Texas in the 2nd Armored Division (Hell on Wheels). Sounds like tanks but he learned all of his computer skills there. After an honorable discharge, he continued to serve his country in a civilian role at various jobs, one of which was US Customs. His later IT years saw him working in various fields; Coca Cola, Toyota, Sara Lee, Us Foods and United Health Care (Optum) to name a few. He made many friends along the way and I’m glad he got to visit with his Y2K buddies just a few months ago. This past year Mike spent his time working on genealogy. I’m sure he has had a long discussion with his Great-Grandma Childress to get the answers to the mystery he couldn’t solve. He was also looking forward to reading book 3 related to his 14th great grandma. I promised him, I’d read it to him. Sports was another large part of Mike's life. When fantasy teams were invented, he was already in heaven. His bowling league and golf outings are what he missed most this past year. He had so hoped to be able to join the Myrtle Beach golf group in March. Mike was lucky in that very few of his friends had preceded him in death. I’m sure John Verran was waiting for him with a joke and a hug. Very few people are aware that our first pregnancy ended in a miscarriage at 14 weeks. We had a few discussions this past year that he’d get to meet and hold that baby first. Mike did not want a funeral. He had started planning a party for before his death. Unfortunately, God had other plans. Kimberly, Jonathan and I are going to finish those party plans and will let everyone know the celebration of life party will take place. It will be in a few months because he wanted it outside. If you wish to make a donation to cancer research in Mike's memory, his charity of choice is https://www.jimmyv.org/ways-to-give/honor-memorial-gifts/ If you have never heard of the Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer research, take a moment and watch this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuoVM9nm42E It is very inspirational and mostly funny but be prepared with tissues for the end. Please take a moment and email stories, memories and/or pictures to rememberingmiketanner@gmail.com . If you don’t have email, just mail those things to me please. I’d like to create a book for Kimberly, Jonathan and any potential grandchildren. I’ll have the book at the celebration of life party for all to see. I look forward to all of us coming together and remembering Mike and his love of life and family.