Claude Tanner, lifetime resident of Riverview, Gibsonton, and South Hillsborough County, passed away Aug. 7, 2016 at his home on the river in Riverview with family and friends present. Claude was born July 13, 1930 to Ludwell and Carrie M. Tanner who preceded him along with his sister Veda, and brothers Ludwell, Kelso, and Donald Paul. He is survived by his daughters, Cindy Tanner-Brooks (Bill) of Riverview, FL, and Melanie Tanner Allen (Doug) of Cartersville, GA; and his son, Wayne Tanner (Roxann) of Zephyrhills, FL; and his angel on earth and longtime friend Ms. Grace Register of Riverview, FL. He is also survived by his grandchildren Ashlee Summer (Lance Phelmon), Austin Brooks, Gabriella Ulakovits-Tanner, Justin Huffman, and Lyle Allen and his 3 great-grandchildren Luke, Levi, and "Chico" Owen. Survivors also include 1 nephew and 4 nieces. Claude was a graduate of Brandon High School in 1948. He majored in agriculture and he played baseball. During school and after graduation he and his brothers would commercial fish the waters around Tampa Bay and they sold to the Tampa fish markets including Mirabella's and Taylor's Fish Market. Through the guidance of Clarence Prevatt, the late Nick Nuccio, and Fred Barksdale, Claude became active in political campaigning in Hillsborough County helping elect local government officials and civic activities. Claude was one of the original founders of East Bay Little League for children in the early 70's with the help of the late Elsworth Simmons, Vance Vogel, and Ms. Shirley Watson and others. Through the late Arthur Lamkin, Claude was a supporter of the Greater Tampa and Gibsonton International Showmen's Clubs. In the 50's, 60's, and 70's Claude's Premium Fish Hatchery (40 Acre Farm), was the 3rd largest exporter of tropical fish to the northeast US to pet stores and wholesalers. In 1968 Claude and the late Mr. R.H. McFarland formed and merged the garbage service of Suburban Disposal of Brandon, which served Brandon and eastern Hillsborough County. In 1988 their company was sold and they both retired. Claude then enjoyed traveling around the world and having cookouts with family and friends. The family would like to thank Hanson's Caregiving Services, Ms Gerri Balladin and Ms. Daisy Franklin, and private caregivers Ms DJ Horan, and Ms Janet Regin for all of their special care. Claude's favorite saying was, "It's all a game." When he was asked how he was doing his reply was always, "Just letting the world go by." Pallbearers for Claude will be Joe Kotvas, Rick Brown, Clyde Poole, Lance Philmon, Justin Huffman, Lyle Allen, Kelso Tanner, and Austin Brooks. Honorary Pallbearers will be Clarence Prevatt, Doug Allen, Leland Byrd, Steve Williams, Johnnie Castellano, Bill Cauthen, Ronnie Fernandez, Bill Brooks, Jimmy Mingo, Dr. Earl Lennard, and Glenn Taylor. There will be a visitation on Thursday, August 11, 2016 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Gibsonton, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 pm. He will be laid to rest at Providence Cemetery in Riverview. There will be a reception following the burial at the Gibsonton International Showmen's Club, Carousel Room. Please have flowers delivered to the First Baptist Church of Gibsonton and any food for the reception should be delivered to the Showmen's Club.