FBC to honor Greg Tanner on Sunday

The First Baptist Church of Vernon, Texas, will honor music minister Greg Tanner and his wife Nina with a retirement reception on Sunday, May 16, 2021.

Tanner, a native of Harrisburg, Ill., holds a BA degree from Belmont College and a Master of Church Music from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Greg and Nina Tanner began their ministry at FBC on Feb. 15, 1984. That same year, the Tanners adopted their beautiful daughter, Bobbi Kim, who now resides in Oklahoma with her husband Zach and children Maddisen, Josh, and Tanner.

For 37 years Greg Tanner has faithfully served the congregation of FBC directing children, youth, adult, and senior adult choirs. He founded the Greenbelt Boys Quartet along with Don Ramsey, Wayne Byrd, and Joe Garrison. Their performances were a delight to audiences of all kinds.

“I was around music all of my life,” Tanner said.

“I sang all through high school. I started singing with my mother, grandfather and a couple of uncles. We were known as the Tanner Quartet.”

Tanner is most renowned for his production and direction of the Easter Pageant which was performed 30 times. All who attended the event were overwhelmed by the beautiful music and outstanding drama.

Throughout his music ministry, Greg also faithfully visited the ill and bereaved in the church and the local community.

Special mission trips, Christmas Cantatas, children’s musicals and weekly Sunday choir performances are a legacy not to be forgotten.

The Tanners have served and ministered alongside seven senior pastors and 15 associate ministers. They will continue to live in Vernon and be a part of First Baptist Church while ministering in other areas.

“I’ll be available to  fill in if needed,” he said. ”And I’m looking forward to going to see the grandkids.”

A time of visitation for the Tanners will be held between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Christian Life Center. The public is cordially invited to attend.