He was employed by Aleris Aluminum Recycling Co.
Survivors include his wife, Beverly Tanksley of Bloomfield; one daughter, Jamie Fielder of Bloomfield; one son, Richard Tanksley of Solsberry; one brother, John "Bud" Tanksley of Mitchell; and two sisters, Sue Hughett and Patty Banks, both of Bedford.
Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Chastain Funeral Home in Mitchell. Burial will be at Mitchell Cemetery.
Friends may call 5-8 p.m. Friday and one-hour prior to services Saturday at the funeral home.