Darrell Tanner

Darrell Tanner, 69, passed away Saturday, December 20, 2025.

Celebration of life will be held 10:30 a.m. EST, Saturday, January 2, 2026 in the chapel of Boston - HIll Funeral and Cremation Service with Pastor Golden Clark, officiating.

Darrell Herbert Tanner Sr. of Atlanta Georgia was born on July 5, 1957 to Jonnie Mae Tanner and Jonas Austin. He was raised by his Step-Father, Columbus Tanner, a man who he loved, admired, and aimed to emulate. Darrell made his living as a truck driver with over 35 years of experience in the business. He was a husband, father of four, step-father of 2, and a grandfather of four (Jakyrea Rivers, 12, JaCorey Rivers, 9, Merritt Williams, 9, and Kaiel Williams, 5). He was married to his late wife, Debra Tanner of Marietta, Georgia for 19 years until her untimely passing in November 2015. His children's names are; Darrell Tanner Jr (Clarice Tanner), of Atlanta, Rayshonda Norman (Kyle Norman), of Marietta, Georgia, Darian Williams (Brittany Williams) of Athens, Georgia, the late Valencia Rivers of Atlanta, Georgia, Santressia Rivers (Amari Gardner) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Charnya Ford of Atlanta, Georgia. 

Darrell was a graduate of Gordon High school, class of 1976, where he excelled as a football standout for the Generals. He went on to play college football at Bishop College of Dallas, Texas, and Fort Valley State, of Fort Valley, Georgia. He was a big personality who loved to dance, party, and play sports. He was known by his peers as an avid entertainer with a competitive spirit. Darrell was diagnosed with dementia in March 2022, and ultimately he transitioned from his condition on December 20, 2025. 

He is proceeded in death by his late wife Debra Tanner, his mother; Jonnie Mae Tanner, Father; Columbus Tanner, as well as Jonas Austin, his sister's; Gloria Rushin and Kathy Austin, brother; Andrew Tanner, and daughter Valencia Rivers. He is survived by his aunt Patricia Crittle, his sisters Karolyn Wilburn  of Loganville, Georgia, Vivian Tanner of Atlanta, Georgia, Delcie Austin, and brothers Jonas Austin jr. and Earl Austin and many nieces and nephews. 

Darrell was a one of a kind person. A person of resilience and self determination. He was loved by his family and friends and he will surely be missed.

Live Stream:

https://youtube.com/live/BFdkgj7rPbQ

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