Roy John Tanner Jr.

Roy John Tanner Jr was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1947. He grew up alongside his sister, Joanne Arp, who now resides in McKinney, Texas. Right out of high school, Roy married and welcomed his only child, Penny. Determined and hardworking from a young age, he earned his California contractor’s license early in life and went on to build a thriving business and a loyal team of workers.

Roy later expanded into real estate investment, once again creating a successful company. He remained connected with many of the people who worked for him or lived in his buildings, often staying in touch with them for years—sometimes until the end of their lives.

Throughout his life, Roy married several times. Penny’s mother was Viola Keller, and in June of this year, Roy passed while married to his sixth and final wife, Carol Hylton. He cared for Carol with extraordinary devotion during her battle with cancer.

Roy’s daughter, Penny Riley, is mother to Jillian Orser, Katelyn Leonard, and Dylan Roberts. His grandchildren blessed him with eight great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren.

Known to many as Tanner—a name he chose for himself—he spent countless hours writing, reading, attending meetings, and participating in church as he worked to grow spiritually. More than anything, he aspired to be a good father, friend, husband, and a man who contributed meaningfully to his community. He believed in striving for progress and accepted that perfection might always remain just out of reach.