Tanner, Walter
TANNER, Walter
Walter "Rhett" Tanner of Atlanta, 83, died on Sunday, September 19, 2021. Born in Athens on May 16, 1938, Rhett was the son of Johnnie Bryson Tanner Sr. and Walterette Arwood Tanner. He graduated from Athens High School in 1956 and the University of Georgia School of Law in 1960. He served for a short time as an enlisted man in the US Air Force, then as a Jag officer in the US Navy. He was a member of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity and was a member of Gridiron. A retired lawyer, Rhett was a partner in the law firm of Hansell Post/Jones Day in Atlanta for more than 40 years.
He was predeceased by his son Rhett Jr, who died in 1989 and also predeceased by his parents. Rhett is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Carolyn Watson Tanner, who steadfastly remained by his side in their Atlanta home during his recent health challenges. He is also survived by his brother, J. Bryson Tanner Jr. of Athens; his nephew, J. Bryson Tanner III (Janice); his niece, Terrie Tanner-Callahan, of Cohutta, Georgia; three great-nephews of North Carolina and one great-nephew of Athens; 6 "great-great-nieces and nephews" of North Carolina, and a cousin, Betsy Moon, of Joelton, Tennessee.
Rhett and Carolyn Tanner served many charitable organizations, including: helping initiate the first Atlanta Decorators' Showhouse in 1973; the Festival of Trees in Atlanta; patrons of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and The Georgia Museum of Art in Athens, where they also celebrated a ribbon cutting naming a classroom after Rhett Jr. in his memory. Also, they were benefactors and members of the Atlanta High Museum of Art; Project Open Hand Atlanta; Meals on Wheels Atlanta and most recently as Board members of the Senior Citizens Services of Atlanta.
In Highlands, where the Tanners also had a home, they served as fundraisers, and attended events, for the Child Development Center and were patrons of the Southern Highlands Symphony Orchestra.
Rhett Tanner will be remembered amongst his peers and staff of the former Hansell, Post, Brandon and Dorsey and Jones Day as a highly ethical and mutually respected attorney, advisor, mentor, intellect and friend. Rhett was much loved, greatly cherished and was a true Southern gentleman. He loved his alma mater and the "Dawgs" and brought with him in life the values he learned from his parents while growing up in Athens.
Rhett always had a calming demeanor and often shared the proverb: "You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar," which served him well in all aspects of his life. Most recently, he was under the loving care of In Home Senior Care, whose staff quickly discovered Rhett's wonderful wit, humor, kindness and gentle spirit.
There are no services planned at this time. Patterson Funeral is in charge of arrangements.
