Roger Dean Tanks
March 18, 2025
Roger Dean Tanks, age 68, passed away unexpectedly, at his home in St. Augustine, Florida, on March 18, 2025. Roger was born January 8th, 1957 in Roanoke, VA, to parents Norman Booth Tanks and Annie Walker Tanks. He moved to St. Augustine in 1984, “to get away from the cold weather”. In July 1987, he met Jean Byatt on the Sea Love deep sea fishing charter and they were married at Anastasia Baptist Church in January 1989.
Roger worked for Riley Gear Corp of St. Augustine as a Machinist and retired from there with 27 years of service. He loved music and could play the piano, organ, drums and trumpet. He taught his step-son Christian Byatt to play the trumpet and piano. Roger’s favorite type of music was classical and he traveled to many cities throughout the US and Canada to listen to renowned pipe organs as part of the Organ Historical Society. Singing was a big part of Roger’s service to the Church. He was a member of Ancient City Baptist Church and their Choir as well as the St. Augustine Community Chorus.
Fishing and Bowling were among Roger’s favorite hobbies. He was a much better fisherman than his brother David. Roger is survived by his brother David Lee Tanks and his wife Martha of Verona, VA as well as his step-son Christian Byatt and his fiancé Vivian of St. Augustine.
Roger was a very kind and patient man. He will be missed dearly. There will be a Memorial Service held at Ancient City Baptist Church on Tuesday April 1st at 10am. All who knew Roger are welcome to come and celebrate his life. If anyone feels a need to give, donations to Ancient City Baptist Church would be appreciated.
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I was fortunate to get to know Roger through our participation in the St. Augustine Community Chorus. I found him to be a skilled and knowledgeable musician and a pleasure to sing with. His presence in the chorus will surely be missed, but I am grateful to have known him these last few years.