March 17, 1936 – October 4, 2023
Ralph Patrick Tanksley, 87, of Mitchell, went to be with the Lord, on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at his residence.
Born March 17, 1936, he was the son of Roy Noble and Ruby (Taylor) Tanksley. He married Charlotte Kay Hopper on August 19, 1956, and she survives.
Ralph was a 1956 graduate of Mitchell High School and was awarded the Oral Dalton Award. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church. Ralph retired from Lehigh Cement Company and after retirement worked at Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center. Ralph and Kay operated R & K Gifts and County Pathways for many years. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, fishing, and golfing, and was an avid Cincinnati Reds fan. Ralph was a great cook and an even better family man. He was a friend to all.
Survivors include his wife, Kay Tanksley of Mitchell; daughter, Kathleen Louise (Dwight) Gilstrap of Paris, Tennessee; son, Kevin Lee (Melissa) Tanksley of Loogootee; and grandchildren, Shelby (Bailey) McNary, Emily Gilstrap, Abby Grace Gilstrap, Zachary (Joy) Tanksley, and Bailey Tanksley.
His parents; daughter in infancy, Krystal Lynn Tanksley; and siblings, John Tanksley, Ruth Sipes, Rowenna Elrod, Roland Tanksley, Russell Tanksley, Rex Tanksley, Ronald Tanksley, Roy Tanksley, and Roger Tanksley, preceded him in death.
The funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 7, at the Mitchell First Baptist Church with Reverend Reggie Clark and Pastor Dave Mikulsky officiating. Burial will follow at Mitchell Cemetery. Friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service Saturday at the church.
Memorial gifts can be made in Ralph’s memory to the Mitchell First Baptist Church.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.chastainfuneralhome.com.
