Benny Paul Tanksley, age 74, of Alpine passed away Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013. Born Sept. 22, 1939, in Mineral Wells, he was the son of Paul Arthur and Frieda Louise (Littlefield) Tanksley, who preceded him in death. A retired professor at Sul Ross University, he was a U.S. Army veteran and a member of the Masonic Lodge of Alpine. He was the former owner of Forchheimers Dept. Store, a stockbroker with A. G. Edwards, and was devoted to land conservation as a rancher. He is survived by his wife, Betty (Beard) Tanksley; son, Paul Tanksley of Hondo; daughter, Mary Criddle and husband Roger of Alpine; three grandchildren, Cade Tanksley of Hondo, Aaron Renfroe of Ozona, Kersten Criddle of Alpine; and sisters, Linda Roesler and husband Alvin and Carol Easley and husband Bill, all of Brady. At his request, no public service is planned. The family suggests memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriors program or the Salvation Army.