George “Edward” Tanner, Jr., 64, died on June 20, 2016 from complications following a successful liver and kidney transplant.
He was born in Middletown, N. Y., on July 19, 1951, the son of George Edward Tanner, M.D. and Patricia Ann Manning Tanner. After graduating from Dublin High School in Dublin, Ga., he attended the University of Georgia from which he graduated in 1973 with a B.A. degree in psychology.
In 1989, Edward received a B.A. degree in Political Science and Government from Georgia State University; in 1992 he received a Juris Doctor degree from Georgia State University’s College of Law.
Edward was a founding member of Cruis-O-Matic, a band formed in Atlanta in the summer of 1977 by Edward, former Ancestors guitarist/vocal stylist, and his college buddy, saxophonist/vocalist Jonny Hibbert. Both Edward and Jonny had previously spent a year in Darryl Rhoades’ infamous HaHavishnu Orchestra. Jonny ultimately recruited his younger brother, Henry, as second guitarist and vocalist, and a high school friend, Robert Schmidt, as drummer. In the months that followed, several bass players came and went until the slot was filled by former HaHavishnu master of ceremonies and local radio and television personality, Gary Rex Patton. Edward’s brother, Blair Tanner, former Ancestors lead guitarist, became the band’s keyboard player, and the first functioning ensemble began to perform. Cruis-O-Matic was for entertainment purposes only: no show-off musicianship, just short and fun songs. The band became a fixture on the Atlanta music scene until the summer of 1989.
One of the band’s first six professional appearances was as the opening act for The Sex Pistols’ first U.S. concert in January, 1978. During its first year, Cruis-O-Matic opened for The Cars, The Ramones, Runaways, and on one occasion shared the stage with Cher. In addition to its popularity in Atlanta, the band was well known and always in demand on college campuses across the Southeast.
In 2004, the band was revived and included Edward, “Mr. Vegas,” his brother Blair “Jesse Presley” Tanner, Steve “Bongo” Bryant, Greg “Mr. Downtown” Crawford and Bob “Leo Sagittarius” Cunningham. They played until 2013.
Edward practiced law until December 2015. He specialized in family and immigration law, and he handled every case with skill, compassion for his client and the sense of humor he was known for.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Tanner; his sons Elliott M. Tanner and Wyatt W. Tanner; his brother, Blair Tanner (Jeannie), of Raleigh, N. C.; and his sister, Georgann Hoyt (Bill), of Dublin, Ga.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 25; details are pending. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Carl J. Mowell & Son, Peachtree City.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Foundation, 8330 Ward Parkway, Suite 510, Kansas City, Mo., 64114 or to a favorite charity.
Carl J Mowell & Son Funeral Home, Peachtree City – www.mowellfuneralhome.com
