Don Tanner

Taylor Funeral Home of Louisville announces the death and services of Mr. Donald Edgar “Don” Tanner, age 63, of Louisville, who died Thursday morning, November 12, 2026.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, Sunday, November 15, 2026, in the Oaky Grove Church (54 Oaky Grove Church Rd, Wrightsville, GA) with Pastor Tom Akins, officiating. Burial will follow in the Jefferson Memorial Gardens with Military Honors. Pallbearers will be Chuck Francis, Jeff Cook, Chip Evans, TJ Moore, Mark Davis, Pat Bell, Josh Otis and Charles Rachels. Honorary pallbearers will be Jefferson County Hospital Employees, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and Gold Cross Ambulance Services.

Don was a gentle giant, who loved UGA football, working in the yard, and learning new things. His yard, and grass cutting, were his therapy. He was also a beekeeper, which made him happy. He held professional certifications as a single-engine pilot, commercial truck driver, and cosmetologist. Don’s professional background included working in healthcare as a Respiratory Therapist. He spent many years working in large and rural facilities across the southeast. He also worked in law enforcement as a deputy, having worked for Bacon County Sheriff’s Office, alongside his cousin, Larry Tanner, and Uncle Russell Tanner, who was Sheriff for many years. This time also included the Drug Task Force and some undercover work. He also worked for Sheriff Gary Hutchins in his second home, Jefferson County. During his tenure in Jefferson County, he served as K-9 officer with the talented, but unruly TJ. The pair had fun doing their job, and you never knew what was going to happen next. Don had an associate’s degree in respiratory sciences from California College. He had a bachelor’s degree in business, and a master’s degree in organizational leadership, from Southern New Hampshire University. He was a silent man. He loved fast cars, good food, and any kind of watch. In 2001, he met Jennifer Hadden, working in the ER at Chandler County, and both of their lives changed. They married in December 2001, and it was an everyday adventure after that. He loved God, and rededicated his life, and was baptized by Tom Akins. He attended Oaky Grove Church and enjoyed playing Santa at Christmas.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, James Tanner and Juanita Tanner, mother in-law, Erma Miles Hadden and is survived by his wife Jennifer Hadden Tanner, of Louisville, son, James Brandon Tanner, daughter in-law, Destiny Carter Tanner, granddaughter, Maisie Carter all of Huntsville, AL., sisters, Pat Duhalme, of Columbia, SC., Pam Moore, (Earl) of Lake Murray, SC., his bonus children, Samantha Moore, Malana Moore, and Tre Moore, all of Wadley, father in-law Coleman Hadden, of Eatonton, GA., sisters-in-law, Mary Hadden Spradley (Kenny) of Cochran, GA., and Joy Hadden (Annette) of Athens, GA., several nieces, nephew and many friends.

The family will receive friends, Saturday evening, November 14, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home.

You may sign the family's guest book at www.taylorfhlouisville.com.

Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Louisville is in charge of arrangements.