Rev. Ronald Tanner

Ronald Tanner, age 54, of Peoria, IL passed from death to life on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at the Edwards Hines, Jr., VA Hospital in Hines, IL. Ronald was born on May 13, 1967, in Chicago, IL to Ulysses Tanner, Sr., and Jessie Bell (Green) Tanner. Affectionately known as Ronnie, he was a graduate of the class of 1985 from Crystal Springs High School, in Crystal Springs, MS. In high school, Ronnie played basketball the crowd loved to see him play. He was an all-star player. In 1988 Ronnie joined the United States Navy. He was stationed in Great Lakes, IL which kept him close to the love of his life “Pooh” as he always referred to Sandra “Sandy” Ross. On November 26, 1988, the two were united in matrimony. Together they had two beautiful daughters Damita and Keyanah. While in the US Navy they resided in Virginia and North Carolina. Ronnie and his family spent 10 years in Raeford, NC where he had many friends and family. Ronnie knew God had a calling on his life to preach His Word for many years, but finally in 1999 Ronnie said “Yes Lord” he humbly submitted to the calling on his life to preach and teach the Word of God. Ronnie attended Carolina Bible College where he attained an associate degree in Leadership and Management. He was ordained in 2001 at the Mount Pisgah Baptist Church, under the leadership of Dr. Matthew Rouse, Jr. In 2002, Rev. Ronnie and his family’s journey in life lead them back to the Midwest to Peoria, IL where they united with the Grace Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Pastor Jeffrey Ivory, Sr. To continue his education and his love for studying the Word of God, Rev. Ronnie attended Lincoln Community College where he received a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies. While at Grace Baptist Rev. Ronnie taught Laymen’s class and VBS. He loved to hear the Voices of Heaven Choir sing. Rev. Ronnie often preached at Rising Sun Christian Church where he had a close relationship with Pastor Gibson whom he referred to as his big brother. Rev. Ronnie was a fun, loving person, he loved to fish, and he was a jokester who never met a stranger. He loved people. He was known for having “nicknames” for everyone. Rev. Ronnie leaves to cherish and honor his memories his faithful and devoted wife of almost 33 years Sandra D. Tanner; 4 daughters, Barbara (Chevez) Trask of New Jersey, Chiquitta (Christopher) Walker Hawkins of Crystal Springs, MS, Damita and Keyanah Tanner both of Peoria, IL; his mother Jessie Tanner of Carol Stream, IL.; four brothers, Ulysses, Jr., (Julia) Tanner of South Holland, IL, Christopher (Vivian) of Anchorage, AK, Timothy Tanner of Carol Stream, IL, and Gregory (Mary) Tanner of Vernon Hills, IL; one sister, Sandra (Keon) of Carol Stream, IL; a loving father-in-law, Deacon Booker Ross, Jr., of Peoria, IL; 9 grandchildren; two special cousins, Vivian Alford and Debra Walker both of Crystal Springs, MS; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, family and friends whom he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his father, Ulysses Tanner, Sr., grandfather Percy Green, grandmother Eddie Bell Green, and mother-in-law Leola Ross. Funeral services will be held at 12 Noon on Friday, October 29, 2021 at Rising Sun Christian Church with a visitation at 11 am. Pastor John Gibson will officiate. Rev. Ronnie will be laid to rest in Historic Springdale Cemetery on Soldier Hill where US Military Honors will be rendered. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at simonsmortuary.com. The service will be live streamed on Simons Mortuary's Website or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Simons-Mortuary-232095303487150 promptly AT THE TIME OF THE SERVICE. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, social distancing is encouraged To be consistent with recommendations from the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), funeral home directors have been instructed and should follow CDC guidelines on gatherings, including those directly related to funerals, visitations, or graveside services. *In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we ask that everyone in attendance: wear a face mask and refrain from hugging, kissing and shaking hands (as hard as it is to see someone you care about and not touch them). *It is our responsibility as a Funeral Directors, to do everything we can to advise families in order to honor our beloved Families and to keep everyone as safe as possible. Thanks in advance for your cooperation!

Tributes

Rev. Ronald Tanner

May 13, 1967 - October 19, 2021