Leo Patrick Tanner, age 52, of Granite Falls, NC passed away on December 24, 2024. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, and poppy.

He was a true disciple of the Lord. He loved to read the scriptures and meditate in His word.  He had a special relationship with our Father in Heaven and knew the value of His word.  A faithful devoted follower with unwavering faith.  A man after God's own heart, always ready to share His word if you would take the time to listen, letting His light shine bright.

Leo was married to Tonya for 28 years.  He loved Tonya with an everlasting love, radiating with God's light.  Their relationship was a testament to the true love and devotion to each other and in God.

He loved his children unconditionally, always encouraging them to give it their all.  Always being there with a shoulder to lean or cry on, a helping hand was never far away when it came to life's problems.

He was the best poppy, always ready to play and shine his love on his grand babies as they brought so much joy to his heart.

Leo was a self-taught jack of all trades, there was no goal he couldn't achieve once his mind was set to it.

He filled our lives with laughter, always telling corny jokes that would always have the room filled with smiles and joy.

Leo loved the outdoors and sharing it with his family and friends. He enjoyed fly fishing, gardening, cooking, traveling with his wife, and enjoying the time together, and loved to smoke any kind of meat and was very commendable at keeping it juicy.

A custom tile perfectionist, a true flooring specialist, he was passionate about putting his best work out there as he was very meticulous.  He took great pride in all of his accomplishments and anything he laid his hands on, beauty came of every project he worked on.

He was a kind man with a heart of gold who truly got the most out of lending a hand to others.

He loved any kinds of food. Really just anything you could put in front of him, and he was the king of BBQ.  Feeding his loved ones was one of his favorite joys, just the smell of his smoker alone would let you know there's about to be some good food coming soon.

Leo is survived by his wife Tonya Tanner; mother, Judith Radebach; son, Jake Nelson and wife Alyssa; daughters, Megan Byrd and husband Nathan, and Taylor Tanner and fiancé Kaityln Thompson; brothers, Steve Tanner, Phillip Tanner, and Jimmy Tanner; sisters, Sharon Tanner, Karen Nagy and husband Jamie, and Bobbie Tanner; sisters-in-law, Wendy Greene and husband Brian, and Shanda Lingerfelt and husband Shawn; grandchildren, Charlotte Byrd, J.W. Nelson, and Annabelle Nelson; nephew, Adam Bryant and wife Ana and their daughter, Eliana Bryant.

Services to celebrate the life of Mr. Tanner will be held Friday, January 3, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at Poarch Chapel Missionary Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com.

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Leo Tanner.