SUFFOLK — Benjamin Jethro Tanner Jr. of South Quay Road, Suffolk, peacefully and quietly departed this life on Jan. 2, 2018, in his home.

“Jethro,” as he was lovingly called, was born in Franklin to Benjamin J. Tanner Sr. and Dorothy Branch Tanner on Aug. 7, 1951.
In 2014, he retired from Planter’s Peanut Corporation, currently known as Kraft Foods, after 39 years of service. He was employed as a quality auditor.
“Jethro” was a 1969 graduate of Hayden High School.
He is survived by his loving wife, Charletta Horne-Tanner; two sons, Shaheed Abdullah Tanner and Rashad Nadir Tanner (Cheryl); his sister, Minister Marcellia Tanner-Taylor; four grandchildren, one great grandchild, nephew, cousins and many friends.
The service honoring his spirit will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan, 10, in East End Church of God, 410 East St., Franklin, Virginia, with Pastor Ralph Richardson III delivering the eulogy; Bishop S.D. Willis is the host pastor. The committal, military honors and benediction will be in A.G. Horton Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the ALS Association, 8100 Three Chopt Road, Suite 147, Richmond, VA 23229.
A traditional service with dignity will be conducted by Wm. M. Johnson & Sons Funeral Home Inc., 224 S. Main St.
Please share your condolences with the family at wmjohnsonandsons.com.