Ralph R Tanner Jr Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Ralph Tanner’s intellect, and dedication to his country and work took him far from his Macon, Georgia birthplace. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1949 after serving in the Caribbean Defense Command. Early experience at the Wrightsville (GA) Headlight Newspaper prompted Ralph to move north to the Boston Herald Traveler. Next, an opportunity at the New York Herald Tribune had him complete managerial assignments in the editorial and advertising sections before promotion to the Syndicate and News Service. Moving to Chicago, Ralph expanded his publishing expertise as Editorial Director and then Publisher of technical magazines for Putman Publishing Company. Ralph was an expert marksman, hunter and world class competition skeet shooter. He was instrumental in establishing the annual Shooting/Hunting Outdoor Trade Show for the National Sporting Goods Association. In 1971, Ralph moved to Prescott, Arizona, where he established Ralph Tanner Associates, Inc. (RTA). RTA had two divisions: book publishing and a nationally-recognized advertising agency with clients in computer software, sporting goods, health care, and real estate. Ralph’s writing and editing skills and knowledge from years of creating print materials and advertising documents resulted in the production of extraordinary hardcover and limited edition books on topics ranging from mining to western art. My Hero, My Friend Jimmy Bryan won the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association 1992 Book of the Year Award. Ralph always made time to help his community. He was appointed Special Deputy by Yavapai County Sheriff Buck Buchanan. When necessary, Ralph could show just how tough he could be. Ralph was a leader and trainer in the Yavapai County Jeep Posse that is charged with finding lost children and adults and preventing human entry into dangerous areas. He was named to the Arizona Humanities Council by Governor Fife Symington and served from 1992 to 1995. His family and friends miss him greatly, especially his entertaining way of telling stories.

Ralph R Tanner Jr

September 6, 1928 - June 1, 2022