Howard "Tank" Clayton Tankersley Sr.

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Visitation Schedule
Public Visitation
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home Chapel
201 N Pine Street
West Memphis, AR  72301
Friday, March 12, 2021
6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home Chapel
201 N Pine Street
West Memphis, AR  72301
Saturday, March 13, 2021
2:00 PM
Cemetery
Crittenden Memorial Park
2206 Highway 64 West
Marion, AR  72364

Howard "Tank" Clayton Tankersley Sr.

of West Memphis, AR

March 1, 1942 - March 8, 2021

Howard ''Tank" Tankersley Sr. was born on March 1st, 1942 and was called home, by his Lord, on Monday, March 8th 2021. He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Minton and Audrey Juanita, his 6 brothers, Charles, William, Leon, Buford, Robert, Kenneth, his 3 sisters, Rebecca, Betty, and Linda, and his son Bradford Minton.

With tears in our eyes and sadness in our hearts, we struggle to find the words to tell the life of such an extraordinary man. Since he was a young child, he had always wanted to play music and be a police officer. God made his dreams come true; Tank never lost sight of where his blessings came from. He played many instruments in many bands and music went with him everywhere he would go. Howard ''Tank'' also dedicated 45 plus years of his life in Law enforcement, starting at the West Memphis Police Department. After retiring from WMPD, he continued his career with the Crittenden County Sheriff's Department. After retiring from the Sheriff's Department he completed his final years of law enforcement with the Marion Police Department, retiring for the last time in 2020. He served God through it all with unshakable faith. The love, dedication, and compassion he had for his family and friends, and his beloved pets extended to the community's and citizens he served as well. Whether it was a sympathetic ear or a hard dose of tough love he was always there, never thinking about himself just those that he loved and treasured.

He is survived by his beautiful and loving bride Gail, his brother Sonny (Susan), his children Teresa (Corey), Howard Jr. (Polly), Donna (Ben), and Bobbie, his grandchildren Katrina (Brian), Samantha, Joseph, Zaria, and Malachi, and Wyatt, and his great grandchildren, Alexandria, Zaiah, and Lyra. And of course, all his nieces and nephews.


Roller-Citizens Funeral Home will be following guidelines issued by the Arkansas Department of Health and the CDC regarding COVID-19. Social distancing of at least six feet must be practiced and all funeral attendees must provide and wear their own mask.


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82 Condolence(s)
Major Jim Elliott, Arkansas State Police, retired
Conway, AR
Liked
Thursday, September 21, 2023

Howard began his career as my partner at the West Memphis Police Dept. He was doing well playing guitar in a band and I never thought he would stay in law enforcement. Boy, was I ever wrong. I enjoyed knowing him and his good nature.

May god enjoy your company as much as I did.
RIP

NELL GRISHAM
WEST MEMPHIS, AR
Liked
Friday, March 26, 2021

HOWARD, I LIVED TWO DOORS DOWN FROM YOU YEARS AGO, AND ALL THRU THE YEARS WHEN I WOULD SEE YOU AROUND WEST MEMPHIS, YOU ALWAYS SPOKE WITH A SMILE, AND ALWAYS WAS A GENTLEMAN, KIND AND ALWAYS FRIENDLY , AND I CAN'T SAY ENOUGH ABOUT MY RESPECT AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF YOU BEING A FINE GENTLEMAN I ALWAYS RESPECTED AND ADORED. YOU HAD ONE DAUGHTER, TERESA WHO IDOLIZED HER DAD, AND SHOWED HER LOVE AND RESPECT FOR YOU ALWAYS. MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN PEACE THRU ETERNITY. TERESA I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE LOVE YOU SHOWED FOR HOWARD. SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS SWEET YOUNG LADY. YOU WERE A WONDERFUL CHILD GROWING UP WITH SUCH A CARING DAD. NELL GRISHAM.

Jean Rockmann
Burleson, TX
Liked
Saturday, March 13, 2021

We will all miss you very much.

Lynn Tankersley Adcock
Brighton, TN
Liked
Saturday, March 13, 2021

All I want to remember is that contagious laugh and sweet man. Gayle y'all were the best 💑! Love you!

Billy Covington Jr.
West Memphis, AR
Liked
Saturday, March 13, 2021

Thank you for all of your years of service Tank. Rest In Peace Sir!!

Tammy Collins
Marion, AR
Liked
Friday, March 12, 2021

Tank was a wonderful friend of mine and will be truly missed. I will miss seeing his beautiful smile and hearing his distinctive laugh ♥️ My thoughts & prayers are with Gail and the rest of the family.

Johnny benson
Tullahoma, TN
Liked
Friday, March 12, 2021

God never graced a more generous and loving man.Uncle Tank was loved by everyone he ever met from the less fortunate to the people in the pews.His laughter was contagious just look to Howard Jr for proof of that.God Bless

Donna Watkins
Marion, AR
Liked
Friday, March 12, 2021

He was a good friend. He always smiled and so strong. Never had a bad word to say. Even when I was down he made me laugh. He loved his wife so much. I’m so blessed to know him. Great man. Thank you for always being my friend. God bless you all.

Harriet Morrow
Marion, AR
Liked
Friday, March 12, 2021

Mr. Tankersley was such a nice man. His presence around the "quad" at Marion School District was always comforting and uplifting. He never failed to wave or give a big smile when you passed him. I enjoyed the times he would come into my office at the high school just to say hello and visit for awhile. He was such an asset to our community and will be missed. My deepest sympathy to all of his family.

Kevin Blankenship
Marion, AR
Liked
Thursday, March 11, 2021

Where do I start....I've know Tank since I moved next door to him in 1995, from our long talks about relationships to laughing at his jokes, he was always so nice and respectful, thank you so much for you friendship and your service to our community, rest in peace my friend❤️

Mike Stephenson
West Memphis, AR
Liked
Thursday, March 11, 2021

Gail I am so sorry. Tank was one of a kind. Always had kind words and a great smile. You knew he really cared. I think he kept me from taking my anger out at my son more than once. A fine officer who knew when to use his wise discretion. When I was Judge in Marion and Tank arrested someone, I knew it was a good arrest. He will be greatly missed. Love you Tank!

Brenda speaks
Cleburne, TX
Liked
Thursday, March 11, 2021

Really i did not know Tank, but our loving friend Teresa Tankersley and Corey Cooper. We support this family in such a great loss and wished we could have known this wonderful man.

Frank Gracia Latorre
Carrollton, TX
Liked
Thursday, March 11, 2021

Rest in peace my friend.

amanda hubbard
Marion, AR
Liked
Thursday, March 11, 2021

I'm sorry for the loss. Tank was an amazing person and police officer. And one of my best friends.

Alan and Sarah Thomas
Paragould, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Tank was/is and has always been a friend before being anything else, a mentor, and supervisor. My family and I will surely miss just knowing he’s around. My condolences to the family and friends whom I know will truly now have a hole in their hearts

Dennis Holloway
MArion, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Tank
Thank You for your many years of serving our community.
Your kindness and the way you cared for people will never be replaced.
RIP Sir!!!

Marie Tucker
Marion, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 10, 2021

God gained another angel you were such a wonderful man and a friend you will be truly missed.

Grady and Willa Collum
Hughes, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Mr. Tankersley was an extraordinary man. There are many in the community who will deeply mourn his passing as his was a life of service, love, compassion and excellence. May he rest in peace.

RODNEY DESHIELDS #425
Marion, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 10, 2021

FROM THE DESHIELDS FAMILY WE SEND YOU OUR
CONDOLENCES. R.I.P. 422

Chief George Blair
West Memphis, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 10, 2021

From this life to Eternal life, Rest on my brother.

Charles Wheeless
West Memphis, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Sorry to hear Tank has gone to be with our Lord. Thank you for serving so many and always at your best serving everyone. May God cover the family with peace and comfort. Thank You for your service.

Kim Alexander
Marion, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Heaven gained another angel. Prayers for the family.

Robert Horton
West Memphis, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 10, 2021

My friend forever☕☕

Cassie Hoskins
West Memphis, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 10, 2021

I am so saddened to read this this morning. Tank was a great man.

Joey Williams
Cordova, TN
Liked
Wednesday, March 10, 2021

I had many years of Music with my friend Tank I will always remember all the Laughs we had together and the great talent He had with his Guitar and vocals . RIP my friend .

Jeff Morris
West Memphis, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 10, 2021

R.I.P. Tank, Condolences and prayers for you and your families, blood and blue. Thank you for your many, many years of service and sacrifice. Thank you for the many lessons and stories that ment so much to me. Rest easy brother, we have the watch from here. Salute.

Jeff Shoumake
West Memphis, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 10, 2021

R.I.P. He was a great officer. Really enjoyed talking to him. Know him from the days when I worked for EMT MEDICAL. condolences to his family and his law enforcement brothers and sisters

West Memphis Animal Shelter
West memphis arkansas, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 10, 2021

You will be missed deeply, you were loved by many and no one could ever replace you. Fly High Sir, Tank

Robby Ashley
Fayetteville, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Thanks for the ride. The first and only ride in a police car.

Janice Booth Boutreis
West Memphis, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

He was always a good friend of mine when I was a teenager I had a lot of respect for him I knew him from West Memphis Police Department as Captain Tank

Jason Johnston Family
Crittenden County, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Tank was our friend at our funeral home in Crittenden County as he was always there to salute the hearse at nearly every funeral procession - he was our friend personally also caring and kind. Now we salute you sir !

Linda Deal Peavy
Abilene, TX
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

My deepest sympathies to the Tankersley family for your great loss.

LT Louis Hatchett
Marion, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

RIL My great friend and Brother In Blue.

Gloria Armstrong
West Memphis, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Tank, Thank you for being such a good friend to the Armstrong family. You was a great officer in person and looked out for everyone in the community. I know you and Gary are talking up a storm. Rest In Peace ❤️

Rodney Parrish
West Memphis, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Rest easy my friend. You will truly be miss Lt....

Shannon Busby
Marion, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

What a great man Tank was. He was my favorite Lt. Dick & I have loved him from day one. He was an asset to all the Police Department’s he worked for. RIP Tank you will be missed. ❤️❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Rena & Beaver Hopkins
Monette, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Tank has been a blessing to our family, our lives, and the lives of so many! He made my Aunt Gail the happiest that I had ever known her to be. Tank will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace Tank! Special prayers for Gail and all who knew and loved him...

Fly high our special angel "Howard Tankersley"!!!

Trey Katlyn Bynum Joshua Jolene Sanders
Proctor, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Thank you sir for all that you have done I’ve known you since I was a small child and looked up to you all the years I appreciate everything you ever taught me and my family.. Rest In Peace Sir We have the watch from here we’ll see you on the other side To all the family and fellow officers and all whose lives were touched prayers are with you and your families

Stan Burch
West Memphis, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Worked many a moon with "Tank". He was a good Cop, till Valhalla.....

Leonard Brown
West Memphis, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Rest in peace. He was a great man and friend. I am praying for your family during this very difficult time of bereavement.

Geanna cobb
Mobile, AL
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Rest in peace you will be truly missed

Scott Fraley
Earle, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

A very fine man and officer, who will be greatly missed. Tank, thanks for all the laughs and advice over the years. Rest easy my friend.

Joey Mann
Marion, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

he was always the one they would send to my house about my truck in the street or my garbage can. He was a really cool guy. im going to miss seeing him every now and then at the house. prayers for the family he is truly a great Man.

Carla Richardson
West Memphis, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Mr. Tank you were one of the best! You’ve left a giant hole in all of Crittenden County’s hearts! I know you are in heaven looking down at us. Until we meet again.

John Hall
Dallas, TX
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Loved seeing tank and the Hwy 64 light when I did I would blow my horn he would hit his lights and always had a gentle hand shake and a smile much love sir we got the watch Gary is welcoming you with open arms for patrol in heaven god bless you tank

JD and Lynda Hall
Proctor, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

RIP Tank. You will be missed by your friends and our community. You served and blessed many lives. We will treasure all our memories and fun times spent with you over the years and feel blessed to have called you a friend.

Lisa ONeal
Marion, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Tank was always with a smile. He was a great man. He will be missed.

Dale Wood (retired ASP)
Clarksville, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Praying for his families, both red and blue. Thank you sir for such a long dedication to serve your community!!!! RIP....SALUTE

steve stevens
marion, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Another of my closest friends is gone. I met TANK in 1970, he working for West Memphis PD and me working for the ASP. We quickly became close friends and have been since. Everyone who knew him will miss him so much. Parents taking their kids to school in Marion will miss him...he was always there directing traffic and loving every minute of it. REST IN PEACE, TANK!!!! I will see you again!!!!!

Justin Chavers
Brownsville, TN
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Rest easy my old friend. You have served a lifetime helping others. You were always kind everytime I saw you. Sure gonna miss seeing you around.

Barbara Brown
Marion, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

What a great friend he has been to the boys and I. Prayers for family

Scott Benton
West Memphis, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Brother, it was an honor knowing you and working with you. See you again one day on the streets of gold. Until then, rest easy brother, we have the watch from here.

Melissa Graham
Marion, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

My grandbabies couldnt wait to wave at TANK everyday after school. He will be greatly missed and much love to his family.
AMEN AND FOD BLESS.

Greg and Elisha Shick
West Memphis, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Tank,

Was a great man and officer. Your family are in our thoughts. Thank you for always watching out for our babies at the schools. You will be missed greatly.

Nemi Matthews Sr.
Earle, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Rest well Lieutenant Tank you were a great officer and friend prayers to the family

Melanie Miller Preston
Lexington, AL
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Howard was a great man. He was a great step-father to me and my siblings growing up. He saw me through high school, taught me how to drive and was always there for me!! He was one of a kind. He will surely be missed by many!!

PHILLIP ALBERS
MARION, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

My CO while I was on the WMPD. Fine Officer and Great Friend. Rest in Peace Tank, We'll take over now!

Teresa Almeda
West Memphis,
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Heaven gained and angel. Loved working with him at MPD. He would always come into my office and give me that big smile of his, and that laugh of his. He will greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers for you and whole family. 😢❤️🙏🏻

John Scola
West Memphis, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Tank was always full of information. He taught me so much in the short time he was my Lt. with CCSO.
I loved working with him during our time with MPD. If he didn't have a joke for you, there were no jokes to be had.
I'll miss his phone calls and his laugh.
Love you Tank.

Sharon Nichols
West Memphis, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Tank I will always remember your laugh and how you could always make me laugh. I have a lot of memories of you when you worked with Stan. May God comfort your family. You will be missed greatly. RIP Tank

Kimberly Gillis
Waterford, MS
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

You will never know how much we loved you uncle Howard. You were truly ine of a kind thanks so much for all the laughs and great hugs. Love Kim,Breanna and Reed

Emily Orey
Jonesboro, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Tank, you were always the most fun person to be around. I don't think I have ever been around you without laughing. You will be so missed. May you rest in peace. ❤

Dorothy Gibson
Marion, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Sorry for your loss praying for the family

Mickey Edrington
Crawfordsville, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

It's hard to believe we've lost such a great friend,great man,great officer. I will never forget your white Michael Jackson glove as you directed traffic before & after school. You taught me so much in so little time. I will cherish evey memory I have of our Times together. You may be gone but you will never be forgotten. Fly High Officer Tank. The men & women of Marion have it from here. 💗💙🖤

Jamie Brockwell
Jonesbororo, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

LuLu - 422 - 608 -

You have touched the lives of so many. We love you so much. Gail, I know how much he loved you and how you love him. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Rest easy, Lu. You will be greatly missed.

Geta Nelson Thomas
Marion, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Tank was a good husband, great officer, and he loved his community. I will miss you Lt Prayers for Gail and the rest of your family.

Briggs Keeton
Marion, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Tank, thank you for all you have done and sacrificed for our Country. You have touched many lives and you will be missed. I will be praying for your family.
May you rest In peace.

Stan Nichols
West Memphis, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

A very good Man and a great Mentor for me. Rest In Peace.

Corey Cooper
Cleburne, TX
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Dad, I will miss you more than words can ever say. You blessed Teresa and I's marriage 20 years ago, and you welcomed me into your family with open arms. It warmed my heart every time I spoke with you and you ended with "I love you, son". I promised you I would look after your little girl. Rest easy dad. I've got the watch now and I won't let you down.

Tracy Clark
Marion, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Thanks for your service and your dedication to our community. you will truly be missed!!

Aubrey Zachary
Marion, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Knowing you Captain Tankersley sense I was 19 & working with you as I returned from the Army until you retired from WMPD was a pleasure. Rest peacefully my friend! SALUTE

Wesley Smith
, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Gonna miss you LT. Thanks for being a great mentor and friend!

Chaplain Bob Burnham
Marion, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

You are in our prayers at this difficult time.
In Christ
Deputy Sheriff/Chaplian
Bob Burnham

Peggy Roberts
Proctor, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Tank you will be greatly missed. Praying for you you Gail

J and Sheila Southard
Lexa, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Rest in Peace, Tank! You've done so much for so many with your service to the citizens of Crittenden County. We are all thankful for your sacrifice! You will definitely be missed!

Tony, Debbie and Zachery Bailey
Marion, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Thank you for all the laughs Tank, we will miss you terribly! You were a wonderful soul with a big heart... you left a lot of love everywhere you went.. we love you!

Rest in peace #422, we have it from here!

ROGER AND JANET YAW
GILMORE, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

HOWARD WAS ONE OF THE GREATS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT HE UNDERSTOOD PEOPLE WE WERE HIS NEIGHBOR FOR YEARS HE WAS A GOOD GUY AND GREAT HUMAN BEING AND THIS SADDENS US DEEPLY PRYAERS TO GAIL AND THE REST OF TANK`S FAMILY

David Ashley
West Memphis, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

You are gonna be greatly missed . Thank you for covering for me &having my back. Heaven just got a great one. R I P ,my friend.



Dwayne and Wanda Ramsey
MOUNTAIN VIEW, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

This is a sad day for many. Howard will be missed. He was our neighbor for a long time on Belmont Street in West Memphis and he watched out for his neighbors and their kids. Our kids thought the world of him. So sorry to lose one of the good ones. Our prayers are steady for his family.

Mary
Marion, AR
Liked
Monday, March 8, 2021

Loved this fella! He always had a story about his life and adventures. Prayers for his family and all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

Marie Tucker
Marion, AR
Liked
Monday, March 8, 2021

What a wonderful man you will be truly missed.

Jim ,Eleanor,Tony and Chris Bailey
West MEMPHIS, AR
Liked
Monday, March 8, 2021

Howard Jr. We are really sorry for you loss. When we lived down the street from you all, You and
Tony played together. We are truly sorry for your loss.