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One beautiful day, November 8th, 1991, Raymond Brian Tanner was born in Lakeland, Florida to two wonderful people, Timothy Ernest and Jean Anne Tanner.
He was named after his grandfather, Raymond Marion Mott and uncle, Raymond Brian Mott, Jr. He was affectionately known as “Bubba” and “Ray”. However he was mainly known as “Ray” because he was a ray of sunshine wherever he was; as well as his infectious smile which would light up the room. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church where he was an Altar Server and many youth programs.
He was educated at Mulberry High School ELP, St. Joseph’s School, Harrison’s School of the Arts, and Summerlin Academy. He worked with several companies during his lifetime; Crown Printing, Publix Supermarkets’ Warehouse, and Claussen’s Fine Furniture Store. Ray was very talented; he knew how to repair, rehab., and building furniture (his dream). He loved the beach, swimming, motorcycling, smiling, politics, and playing spades with his family. He was truly gifted as an artist; he was superb at sketching landscapes and landscaping. He was very involved in the N.A.. His favorite song was “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” and favorite movie was “The Notebook”.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Timothy Emory Tanner and his maternal grandparents, Buddy and Nancy Tanner.
He leaves to cherish his memory, a loving family; his parents, Timothy Ernest Tanner and Jean Anne Tanner; his brothers, James Tanner (Erin Welch Tanner),Theodore Tanner (Megan Ford), and John Tanner; his maternal grandparents, Raymond and Elorine Mott; God parents, Theodore Mott (deceased) and Janice Smith; a host of uncles, aunts, cousins and other relatives.
Condolences may be sent to the family at Oldham Funeral Home.