The Reverend Lewis Jerome Tanksley, Sr. was born in Columbia County, Georgia to the late Rev. Michael O. Tanksley, Sr. and the late Mrs. Lillie M. Tanksley. He is the sixth of seven children. He is married to the former Ms. Carolyn Harmon. They have one son, Lewis Jerome Tanksley, Jr. and two daughters, Marva Tanksley Williams and Jeri Deshun Tanksley.
 
They have nine grandchildren. Rev. Tanksley attended schools in the Richmond County School System and graduated from Lucy Craft Laney High School. He furthered his studies and graduated from Augusta Technical College. God had other plans for his life and called him to ministry at the age of 26. He furthered his studies at the American Baptist Theological Seminary and Georgia Military College.
 
Rev. Tanksley is active in the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia, Inc., and The National Baptist Convention USA, Inc as well as The Deacons Union and The Rosemount Association of Columbia County, Georgia. Rev. Tanksley's favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." His favorite hym is "A Charge to Keep I Have."
 
Leviticus 19:34
The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.
 
Hebrews 13:1-2
Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.
 
Matthew 22:39
And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
 
Deuteronomy 10:18-19
He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing. Therefore love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.
 
Luke 10:29-37
Parable of the Good Samaritan
 
 
Yours in Christ,
Reverend L. J. Tanksley, Pastor