Earl "Squeak" Tankersley

Earl "Squeak" Tankersley, 90, passed away peacefully at his home on May 9, 2025.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Judy (née Broughton); his son, Greg (Lori) Tankersley; two cherished grandchildren, Christopher and Claire Tankersley; and his beloved brother, Curtis (Alice) Tankersley.

He was preceded in death by his dear sisters, Georgia Joseph and Helen Collett, and his brother, Ed Tankersley.

Earl was born in Crab Orchard, Kentucky to Richard Tankersley and Stella (nee Helton). Time spent with his father left a lasting imprint on him. Earl loved sharing stories of all he learned from his father-carpentry, repairing equipment, and the many responsibilities of farm life. As a young man, he also taught himself to play guitar.

In his early 20s, he lived briefly in Florida, pursuing a dream of playing country music. Like many from Kentucky, he eventually moved to Ohio for factory work. He was employed at Stearns and Foster for over 35 years, honing his maintenance skills. Despite his job in Ohio, Earl would return to Kentucky every weekend to care for his family and work on the farm that had been in his family for generations. The farm, originally owned by his grandfather, then passed to his mother, became his in the 1960s, making him the proud third-generation owner. Earl was especially proud that the family farm would one day be passed to his son, Greg.

He and Judy were married in the living room of the home where she was raised, in Harmons Lick. She followed him to Ohio, where they built a life together in Reading, a home they still shared. Nevertheless, they faithfully returned to Kentucky nearly every weekend and for vacations, spending time with family and friends on Harmons Lick Road.

Earl adored his family and friends, hunting, the outdoors, and life on the farm. He was incredibly proud of his son Greg and his family. Earl rarely missed an opportunity to watch his son-and later his grandchildren-play sports or perform on stage.

A proud, kind, hard-working, and down-to-earth man, Earl loved to tell stories. He was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed.

Visitation will take place on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Ramsey-Young Funeral Home. Funeral will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, May 16, 2025 at the funeral home, with Rev. Phil Begley officiating and burial following at Lancaster Cemetery. Friends & family may share memories or leave condolences on his tribute wall at : www.ramsey-young.com. Ramsey-Young Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Earl "Squeak" Tankersley, please visit our floral store.