Mr. Charles L. Tanner, a resident of West Medford for more than 78 years and beloved husband of the late Shirley M. (Felder) passed away at his home on Wednesday evening, June 21, 2023. He was 97 years old.
Born in Columbus, Georgia, he was the beloved son of the late Jessie (Lee) Tanner.
Charles was a WWII Army veteran, entering the military at Boston on April 26, 1945 and receiving his honorable discharge from Fort Dix, New Jersey on December 2, 1946. Charles was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal and the WWII Victory Medal for his honorable service.
In civilian life, Charles worked for the MBTA. He started on the Orange line as an operator before heading the Special Needs Division and the MBTA Pass Program. Charles, office partner Jack Coakley and Gov. Dukakis (along with many others) helped to create The Ride, which is widely regarded as the first such program to provide individualized public transportation for our senior and handicapped population. When not working, dad loved gardening, deep sea fishing on the cape and photography. He will be dearly missed.
Charles is survived by his loving son’s; Maurice F. Tanner, James B. Tanner and Robert S. ‘Sparky’ Tanner, all of West Medford, granddaughter; Morgan E. Tanner of Providence, Rhode Island and niece; Shirlette Wilson Rutledge of Powhatan, Virginia.
His Funeral Service will be celebrated in the Shiloh Baptist Church, 1 Holton Street, Medford on Friday, July 14, 2023, at Noon. Relatives and friend are most welcome to attend. Visiting hours will be held, in the church, prior to the service, from 9 to 12. Interment will be held in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Beals-Geake-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 29 Governors Avenue, Medford. For additional information, please visit, www.magliozzifuneralhome.com.