Tankersley Funeral Home

02/10/2026

02/07/2026

Funerals can be stressful, especially if family members disagree about how to honor a loved one?s life. This article shares a few ideas on how to deal with family discord during a difficult time.

In stressful situations, family discord is more likely to surface. Take a few moments to learn how you can combat discord at a funeral.

02/02/2026

It’s Groundhog Day, and Bill Murray’s movie by the same name probably gets more views today than any other day of the year. What’s your favorite scene from the movie, and do you think Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow?

02/01/2026

David Lee Black

David Lee Black, 88, of Abilene, TX, passed away on January 31, 2026 after a brief illness. David was born on April 8, 1937 to David and Anabel Dueset Black in Flint, Michigan. He spent three years in the Army Air Corps from 1954-1957.

David married Carol Rider and had 5 children: Barbara Ann Northrop (deceased), David Clinton Black, Bradley Edward Black, Monica Lee Black, and Dawn Marie Travis (deceased). Later, he went on to marry Susan Kittley and had 5 more children: Matthew Torres, Marcus Armando Torres, Denise Ann Miguel (Robert), Desiree Lee Kelley (Craig), and Dominique Andrea Quinones (Ezekiel). He had a lifelong career in sales through various companies, earning many top awards. He was very proud of his own business, Communities Against Crime, that he founded in 1992. He worked with his company until last year. David loved spending time with his family and grandchildren. He could always recall all of their birth dates. He also loved watching various sports, especially baseball, and the Texas Rangers.

David is survived by his sister, Mary Wurtzler of Lubbock, TX, eight children, three sons-in-law, thirty-one grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and Susan. He is preceded in death by his father, mother, stepfather (Harry Wynn), sister (Patricia Tickey), two daughters, and two great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Tankersley Funeral Home 807 Columbia St. Stamford, TX, on Wednesday, February 4th, from 11 am to 1 pm followed by a funeral service at 1 pm at the Tankersley Funeral Chapel. Interment with military honors will be at Fairview Cemetery in Sagerton, TX, immediately following the service under the direction of Tankersley Funeral Home.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.tankersleyfuneralhome.com.

View David Lee Black's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/01/2026

This month, as we celebrate African American Heritage Month, what’s something you truly appreciate about the impact African Americans have had on our nation? Whether it’s the beautiful words of Maya Angelou, the deeply inspiring speeches of Martin Luther King Jr., the athleticism of Kobe Bryant and other athletes, or the conviction of Harriet Tubman, there is so much to admire and emulate. What means the most to you?

01/31/2026

From singers and songwriters to band directors and composers, musicians' passion for music can be used to personalize their funeral service. In this article, you will find 12 ways to customize the service and add special touches if your loved one was a musician or had a deep love of music.

If your family member was a music lover, check out this list of ways to honor them at their funeral service.

01/26/2026

Carolyn Ann Morgan

Carolyn Ann Walker Morgan, 76, of Stamford, Texas, passed away on 01/24/2026. She was born on October 14, 1949, in Knox City, Texas, to James Weldon Walker and Mary Ann Elisa Ejem Walker.

Carolyn’s unwavering faith in Jesus Christ was a guiding force throughout her life, and she often shared his message with those around her.

On July 16, 1966, Carolyn married Jimmy Lee Morgan, embarking on a lifelong adventure together after he promised to lasso the moon for her. Though she knew it was impossible, the excitement of sharing life with this cowboy was a journey she couldn’t resist.

She dedicated herself to being a homemaker, raising her five children with love and devotion. After raising her children, Carolyn brought her warmth to several retail jobs, where she became known as the friendliest person you’d ever met.

Carolyn’s life was filled with hobbies and passions. She enjoyed writing poetry, growing plants, sewing, embroidery, and even tried her hand at hunting. Her recipes are cherished, but she was especially renowned for her storytelling. Carolyn could recount events with truth, animation, and comedy unlike anyone else, captivating friends with her unique perspective and wit.

She is preceded in death by her husband Jimmy, her parents, and brother Jimmy Weldon Walker.

Carolyn is survived by her children: Steven Morgan of Stamford, TX, Shawn Morgan and wife Michelle of Frisco, TX, Shannon Morgan of Rotan, TX, Christa Smallwood and husband David of Rotan, TX, and Allison Orr and husband Michael of Sherman, TX; bonus daughter Leslie; siblings: Billy Jo Walker and wife Ruth, Paula Wells, and Kimberly Potter and husband Dennis; twelve grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, and her dearly loved friend and favorite companion, Larry Gilliam.

The family will be receiving friends for a visitation at the Tankersley Funeral Home on Thursday, January 29, 2026 from five until 7 p.m. Funeral services will be Friday, January 30, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. and graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Cedar Cemetery in Luella, Texas under the direction of Tankersley Funeral Home of Stamford.

View Carolyn Ann Morgan's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/24/2026

Families often choose to use life insurance funds to pay for a loved one?s funeral, but many don?t realize there could be unexpected complications. Check out this informative article to learn more about using life insurance to pay for funeral expenses!

Many people plan to use their life insurance benefits to pay for a funeral someday. But have you thought about what else you will need the funds for?

01/21/2026

Yvonne Ratliff

Yvonne Snow Ratliff was born on Wednesday, June 12, 1946 to the union of J.B. Snow and Winnie Clem Snow in Andrews, TX.

Yvonne departed this life on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Ken Snow, great grandson, Mayson Richardson, nephew, Cary Glenn Snow.

Yvonne received her formal education in the Pecos Public School, graduating in 1964. In November of 1967 Yvonne and John Edward Ratliff, Sr. were united in marriage in Stamford, TX. To this union four children were born, Melessa, Johnny, Troy and Dianna. She was the heart of the home and family. She raised her four children to be independent and thoughtful adults while loving and nurturing each of their individual personalities. In the working industry, Yvonne worked as a secretary for Ratliff Electric. In her spiritual life, Yvonne was a member of the Church of Christ.

She leaves her loving memories to be cherished by her; daughter, Melessa Brooks of Dallas, TX, son, Johnny Ratliff of San Angelo, TX, son and daughter-in-law, Troy and Wendy Ratliff of Mason, TX and daughter, Dianna Bell of Greenwood, TX; grandchildren; Jonathan Brooks and wife Destiny of Wichita Falls, TX, Hunter Brooks and wife Lindsey of Seymour, TX, Lexi Ratliff, Emily Ratliff, Harley Ratliff all of San Angelo, TX, Dalton Ratliff and wife Rae of Arizona, Jonnah K Smith of Abilene, TX, Keegan Ratliff, Cooper Ratliff both of Mason, TX, Victoria Bell Greenwood, Stace Bell and Kelly of Midland, TX; Great Grandchildren; Rhyder Brooks, Liam Brooks both of Seymour, TX, Baylee Brooks of Wichita Falls, TX, Kesmond Fearn of San Angelo, TX, Madden Collins of Greenwood, TX; 1 brother, Glenn Snow of Stamford, TX, and a host of other relatives and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, January 25, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Wink High School Alumni Center in Wink, TX. Visitation is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. till service time Monday, January 26, 2026 at Tankersley Funeral Home at 807 Columbia St., Stamford, TX. Graveside will be held in Stamford, TX at 1:00 p.m. at Highland Memorial Cemetery with Shane Youngblood officiating under the direction of Tankersley Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Scottish Rite for Children, P.O. Box 122027 Dept 2027, Dallas, TX 75312-2027.

View Yvonne Ratliff's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.