Freddy Eugene Tankersley

EASTLAND – Freddy E. Tankersley, 81 of Olden, passed away at his home Saturday, March 29, 2014. A visitation will be held Monday, March 31 from 6 – 8 PM at Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, April 1st at 2:30 PM at the Sunset Memorial Gardens in Odessa, TX.
Freddy was born December 15, 1932 in Mitchell County, TX. He was raised in Nimrod and attended school in Scranton, TX. Freddy entered the US Army in Big Spring in 1950 and served in Hawaii. He was discharged in 1954. Upon his discharge he went to work at Superior Oil Co., then began working for Big 3 Gas Company in Odessa as a truck driver.
On October 4, 1968, Freddy married Betty (Smith) Jones in Odessa, TX. With Freddy’s 2 children combined with Betty’s 5 children, it made life very interesting. His children would often ask him “What were you thinking!”. Freddy loved Betty with all his heart and chose to raise all his children with love.
Freddy retired from truck driving August 13, 1980 and returned to Eastland Co., where he bought a farm near Carbon, TX. There he started farming, raising cattle and doing custom hay baling. Later Freddy and Betty moved to Olden, bought a travel trailer and would often go to Blue Grass Music Festivals. Freddy loved to listen to music and loved to dance.
Freddy was a Past Grand Master of the Carbon Masonic Lodge. He was a member of the Temple Baptist Church in Odessa. Fred lived by the Golden Rule and once stated, “Can’t run a computer but with a cedar pencil and a Big Chief Tablet, you won’t get cheated.”
Freddy was preceded in death by his loving wife Betty, March 22, 2006.
Survivors include: Daughters, Sherry Brunson of Austin, Tammy Clifton and husband Mark of Midland, Robbie Scheile of Odessa, Debra Hall and husband David of Brady. Sons; Cecil Jones and wife Sue of Garland, Leslie Jones and wife Tammy of Olden and Jessie Jones and wife Toni of Odessa. Freddy is also survived by 2 sisters: Nell Miller of Lubbock and Jo Ann Palmer of Monahans, 18 Grandchildren, and 24 Great-grandchildren.
Freddy’s Grandsons will be his pall-bearers.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lubbock Scottish Rite, 1101 70th St. Lubbock, TX 79412 or go to scottishrite.org.