Billy Ray Tanner, Sr., age 78, of Lucedale passed away Saturday, November 2, 2024. Mr. Tanner was born November 14, 1945 in Moss Point, MS. He is the son of the late Caylor Lane Tanner and Lois Marie Griffin Tanner. He married Margaret Edmonds on May 3, 1969.

He was a proud United States Army Vietnam Veteran, member of the VFW, and Trump supporter. He retired from the Alabama Department of Transportation, but always had other side jobs as well, such as managing skating rinks and disc jockeying at various schools and events. His first love was always his family; He loved family gatherings more than anything. He loved to spend time with his family and friends. While family was his passion, music was his greatest hobby. He loved all genres of music, from Southern Gospel, Classic Country, to Rock and Roll. He was a huge fan of Elvis Presley and Hank Williams Sr. He was a member of the Hank Williams Sr Memorial Committee and attended the Hank Williams Festival in Georgiana, Alabama every year. He enjoyed going to gospel concerts with his mother and children, especially Big Blessin & The Kingdom Heirs. He went to more gospel, country, and rock concerts than anyone we know; from Elvis Presley three times to Freddie Hart. He enjoyed his years as the baritone singer of the gospel group, The Jubilairs. He loved to sing, dance, and travel on cruises-another hobby he took on after retiring. He and his wife, Margaret, along with other family, went on around 30 cruises!

He is survived by his wife, Margaret Edmonds Tanner; son, Billy "Bill" (Susan Habeck) Tanner Jr.; daughter, Ashley Ann Tanner; son, Donald Steven Tanner; mother, Lois Marie Griffin Tanner; grandchildren, Alexander (Lauryn) Tanner, Jackson Tanner(Madison Nolfe),  Marley (Kevin) Truong, Briana Tanner, Christian Tanner, Lola Tanner; bonus grandchildren, Jake Edmonds, Ella Grace Edmonds, Brooklyn Tanner, Riley Hayes, James Hayes, Tully Waldrop, Anthony Rowell Jr., Haley Catchot; great grandchildren, Emilia Margaret Truong, Stanley Johnson.

Predeceased by father, Caylor Lane Tanner; son, Ronald "PeeWee" Tanner.

The funeral will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at Midway Baptist Church, 2206 Howell Tanner Chapel Road, Lucedale, MS with Rev. Brandon Rogers and Rev. Phil Snodgrass officiating.  Burial will be in Midway Baptist Church Cemetery.

Calling Hours will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on November 7, 2024 at Midway Baptist Church, 2206 Howell Tanner Chapel Rd, Lucedale, MS.

Sigler Funeral Home, 601-947-3112, www.siglerfuneral.com, 4248 Main Street, Lucedale, MS, is in charge of arrangements.