In Loving Memory of Hal W. Tanner, Jr.

Hal W. Tanner, Jr., of Georgetown, SC, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025. He was born in Tuscaloosa, AL on September 27, 1939, to Dr. Hal W. Tanner, Sr. and Latrelle Grantham Tanner. The family moved to Savannah, GA where he spent his formative years and met his wife of 61 years, Brenda Hinely Tanner. He graduated from Savannah High School in 1957 with high honors.

After high school, Hal attended Auburn University participating in the co-op program to earn his Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering. He married Brenda in 1962, and she supported him through his final year of college. While at Auburn, he was an active member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity and competed on the varsity track and cross-country teams. A passionate runner throughout his life, Hal participated in countless 5K and 10K races, as well as major marathons such as Boston, New York, Marine Corps and Savannah, where he ran sub-3 hour races. He also held South Carolina state records for varying age groups.

Upon completing his degree, Hal began his career with International Paper in Georgetown, SC. He initially worked in the paper mill before moving to the container division, where his innovation led to seven patents, including three international patents. His career with International Paper took him across the U.S., Europe, Africa, China, and Latin America. He worked in the offices in Georgetown, New York City, Shreveport, LA, and briefly with Weyerhaeuser Paper Company in Atlanta.

Hal retired in January 2000 and returned to Georgetown where he concluded his career. He remained active in the field for another decade working as a consultant in the U.S. and Australia and contributed to organizations such as the Fiber Box Association and the American Forest and Paper Association. Hal also served as a guest lecturer at Georgia Tech's Institute of Paper Science and Technology and was actively involved with TAPPI (Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Industries), as well as XIP until his passing.

Hal had a deep love for travel, visiting 50 countries and territories, all 50 states, and Puerto Rico. He and Brenda especially cherished their annual two-week trips to St. Thomas, VI, a tradition they enjoyed for 20 years.

A devoted member of Duncan Memorial Methodist Church, Hal served in several financial and mission roles. He was committed to mission work, assisting in the rebuilding of communities in Costa Rica, Honduras, New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina, and the Appalachian region of Kentucky. He also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Georgetown.

Hal will be remembered as a generous and wonderful man.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Brenda, his sister Patricia Tanner, and his brother John Tanner. He is survived by his son, Greg Tanner, of Atlanta, GA, his daughter and son-in-law, Allison and Matthew Kuhn of Cumming, GA; grandsons Will and Duncan Tanner, Keller Kuhn; granddaughter Hayden Kuhn; sister Jane Bell, of Savannah, GA, and extended family.

A memorial service will be held at Duncan Memorial Methodist Church in Georgetown, SC on January 3, 2025, at 12:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society

The Maryville Chapel of Mayer-Ethridge Funeral Home is serving the family.