Leonard Leo Tanksley

Leonard Leo Tanksley of Springdale passed away Friday, January 10, 2025 with family by his side. He was born February 3, 1931 in Amagon, Arkansas to Bessie Elizabeth Salmon and Robert Lee Tanksley and was the only boy of five siblings. He served in the United States Army from 1950 to 1953. Leo was married for 67 years to the love of his life, Faye Lindsey Tanksley. The two corresponded while Leo was stationed in Korea and married in 1954 when he returned from the Korean War. They moved often between Michigan, Missouri, and Arkansas, living in over 20 homes together before settling in Springdale in 1970. They then retired to Huntsville in 2000, where they shared many memorable creek-side moments with their grandchildren. Leo was the well-known and respected owner of Tanksley’s Body Shop in Springdale from 1975 to 2000. He was a carpenter and expert tinkerer who could build or fix just about anything. In retirement, he also became an avid birdhouse builder. He was known for his green thumb and grew an abundant annual garden he enjoyed sharing with his neighbors. Leo had a servant’s heart and loved helping others, including traveling to rebuild communities hit by disasters and tragedies. He was active in his church community and attended Brush Creek Baptist Church in Springdale and Calvary Baptist Church in Huntsville. He was a loving husband, wonderful father and father-in-law, and the perfect grandpa. Despite developing Alzheimer’s in recent years, he remained a kind man who always communicated his love. Leo lived a long, full, and honest life; one his family is proud of. Leo was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Faye, his parents, three sisters, Virginia Tanksley, Louise Graham, and Reva Niblett. He is survived by his sister, Betty Baker and husband Frankie of Norfork; three children: Linda Maestri and husband Les of Tontitown, Mitchell Tanksley and wife Cris of Huntsville, and Tami Toler and husband Robert of Savannah, GA; 13 grandchildren: Brannon Pack, Roxie Olsen, Misty Harriman, Lindsey Maestri, Heather Hachmann, Katie Drake, Falyn Tanksley, Candice Anderton, Cara Leto, Kelly Johnson, David Henson, Dakoda Tanksley, Mariah Fairley; 27 great-grandchildren: Destiny, Alison, Bailey, Isaiah, McKinley, Kayla, Makenna, Kamryn, Owen, Taylor, Briceson, EveyLynn, Wyatt Blake, Jaylyn, Charli Jo, Ethan, Jackson, Tinley, Kylor, Blaine, Claira, Malachi Leo, Brock, Jackson, Poppie, Journey, and Psalm; and four great-great-grandchildren: Nova, Oakleigh, Hayden, and Kymari, and one on the way, Roman Leo. A funeral service will take place Saturday, January 18th, 2025, at Sisco Funeral Chapel beginning at 11 AM. Burial will follow at Elm Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday, January 17th, from 5 PM to 7 PM at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral.com

Leonard Leo Tanksley

February 3, 1931 - January 10, 2025