Terry F Tanner MD's Obituary
Terry F. Tanner, M.D., 96, died June 29, 2023 of age-related natural causes at Westminster Palms in St. Petersburg, Florida. He was born on September 30, 1926 in Charleston, Missouri, and grew up in Quitman, Georgia. An amazing fact was being born on his father’s birthday and was blessed to welcome his first-born son on that same date. His father also passed away on the same day in 1977.
In 1943, at the age of 16, he entered Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI/Virginia Tech) in Blacksburg, Virginia where both his grandfather, father, and two brothers graduated. After two years of college, he enlisted in the Army, eventually serving in the medical corps. He honorably served in the Philippines and Japan until the war ended.
Terry returned to VPI and graduated in 1949 with a degree in Biology. He then entered the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia. He graduated in 1953 with a Doctor of Medicine degree. He and his brother, Paul, were in the first class of interns at Mound Park Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida, now Bayfront Health Center. In 1954, after interning, Terry entered private practice with his brother in Auburndale, Florida. He returned to St. Petersburg in 1956 and eventually began the practice of Industrial Medicine at Honeywell as their first physician, for over 20+ years.
He also continued to be the plant physician for several small companies, including ECI (Electronic Communications Inc.) In October of 1963, he founded Concept, INC., a medical surgical instruments company. He served as president and chairman of the board for many years until retiring in 1983. Concept Inc. was acquired by Bristol Myers Squibb in June of 1990.
Terry also founded the Medical Research Investment Fund, holding a Series 7 license. Because of his intense interest and dedication to Industrial Medicine, he was the founder and first president of the Florida Industrial Medical Association.
In 1958, after returning to St. Petersburg, he met a young nursing student named Lynn Houser. They married after her graduation in 1961.
Terry was an active member and elder for many years at Westminster Presbyterian Church and Northeast Presbyterian Church in St. Petersburg. In 2003, he and Lynn joined St. Petersburg Presbyterian Church where they have served faithfully for many years. Terry loved the Lord and was grateful most of all for his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He was certain of his eternal future in God’s Kingdom. Terry was a sweet, loving, humble, generous, and kind man. He was known for his quick-witted sense of humor and was adored by all who knew him well.
Terry is survived by his loving wife, Lynn, of 61 years; his two children, Terry Jr. (Nancy) and Rebecca (Keith); seven grandchildren, Brittany, Brooke, Brandee, Breck, Tanner, Carlyn, and Bailey; four and ¾ great grandchildren, Everson, Kaiverly, Nyah, and Seylah; brother, Dr. Maurice Tanner; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his second son, Gregory (1968), and eldest brother, Paul (2021).
There will be a celebration of life service at St. Petersburg Presbyterian Church, 600 83rd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33702 on Saturday, July 15 at 11:30am, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, consider giving a donation to St. Petersburg Presbyterian Church or the charity of your choice.
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