Deacon Robert Lee Tanner was born on November 27, 1947, in Shreveport, LA. He was the 10th of eleven children born to the late Emma Tanner and the late Nelson Tanner Sr. Deacon Robert accepted Christ at an early age and was actively involved in the advancement of God's program throughout his life.

Deacon Robert Tanner attended Valencia High School in the Caddo Parish Public School System and graduated in 1967. During his tenure there, he was a great athlete who excelled in football and baseball. After completing high school, he received an athletic scholarship to attend Bishop College in Dallas, where he met his wife, Doshie Smith Tanner.

After their marriage, Deacon Tanner became a salesman and manager for the Dolly Madison Cake Company, and he and his wife moved into the Prince Hall Apartments, located directly in front of the Judea Baptist Church. Shortly after moving there, Deacon Tanner and his wife united with the Judea Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Saunder more than fifty years ago. He became a Deacon, Superintendent of the Sunday School, and a member of the Male Chorus during this time, and he remained actively involved until his passing. Deacon Tanner was preceded in death by his parents (mother) Emma Tanner, (father) Nelson Tanner Sr., (sisters) Mattie Alexander & Mary Hooper, and (brothers) Kurvin, Nelson Jr., Joe, Lee Arthur, Charles, and JD. Leaving to cherish his memories and family legacy are (wife) Doshie Tanner, (sons) Robert Tanner Jr. (Ahnekii wife) & Rodrick Meyers, (grandsons) Benjamin, RJ & KJ, (sisters) Hazel Young & Charity Tanner, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.