Joel Tankersley

Joel Eugene Tankersley was born March 21, 1937, in Eastland, TX to Burton and Mittie Tankersley. He met the love of his life, Sallye Tankersley, while attending Texas Tech University and they were married on June 11, 1960. Joel proudly served his country in the National Guard. He was always a community leader in both Ralls, TX and Lubbock, TX. Joel had a servant’s heart with a love for God and family. Joel served as a deacon in both cities with a deep compassion for others.

Joel grew up in Snyder, TX where in high school he excelled in FFA and basketball. He was voted Mr. Snyder High School by his class. Joel attended Texas Tech University and played basketball for the Red Raiders. He developed a love for agriculture which led him into a very successful and meaningful career.  With his passion for developing hybrid seeds, he owned Texas Triumph Seed Co. in Ralls, TX and represented U.S. Agriculture all over the world taking him to 19 countries through Europe, South America, Central America and Asia.

Joel and Sallye moved to Lubbock in the mid 90’s and Joel became a deacon at Bacon Heights Baptist Church. While at Bacon Heights, Joel became involved with Friends of God which services people with special needs. From there, Joel recognized a need for these special individuals and their families that did not exist in the Lubbock area. With support from a dedicated, exceptional group of like-minded people, they created High Point Village.

High Point Village was Joel’s passion from its inception. Following God’s calling just over 15 years ago, key partners created an incredible environment to serve the special needs community. Joel always said this was a project of love that would outlive him. Today High Point services over 100 villagers where individuals with intellectual disabilities can live, learn, work, worship and achieve their full potential. High Point Village continues to expand their capabilities to service more individuals on their 63-acre campus in Lubbock.

Joel lost the love of his life, Sallye Lemon Tankersley, on October 19, 2023. He is preceded in death by Sallye, parents Burton & Mittie Tankersley, beloved son, Jeff Tankersley, in-laws Wilbur & Della Lemon, brother and sister-in-law Joe & Phyllis Lemon and brother-in-law Thomas Lemon.

He is survived by children, Dean (Cindy) Tankersley and Krista Tankersley; daughter in-law Amy Tankersley; grandchildren, Caroline Tankersley, Beck Tankersley, Tayler Odhiambo, Charles (Katy) Vannoy; great-grandchildren, Nova Odhiambo, Olivia Vannoy and Dallas Vannoy; brother Danny Tankersley, nephew Kim Lemon and spouse Mike Levine; nieces, Dawn Garza and Tammy Tankersley; beloved caregivers, Sandy Chapa, Johanna Gauna, and Nichole Garcia, and loved hospice nurse, Leslie Arledge.

Joel Tankersley passed away on January 11, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, the family has chosen High Point Village and Bacon Heights Baptist Church for donations in Joel’s memory.

Donation – High Point Village

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The family of Joel Tankersley will host a Celebration of Life with family and friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at High Point Village, 6223 County Road 6300 in Lubbock. The family encourages those who want to learn more to join them at a place that was very special to Joel.

A memorial service will be held on January 17, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers. A private family graveside will follow later in the afternoon.

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