He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy Whitt Tarpley, and also by his parents and sisters, Mary Alice Fox and Edith Porter.
Mr. Tarpley played football at and graduated from Giles County High School. He married Dot Tarpley on July 15th, 1953 in Iuka, Mississippi.
He enlisted in the U. S. Navy and served our country in the Korean War on the U. S. S. Molala (“The Little Mo”). He was an electrician’s mate third class and also qualified as a sharp shooter. In addition to a good conduct medal, Mr. Tarpley was also awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Three Star Korean Service Medal.
After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Mr. Tarpley worked as a contractor and business owner. He was a longtime member of Miracle Baptist Church in LaVergne and ardent Tennessee Vols fan. Although he left Giles County for work, he was always proud to be from Pigeon Roost and was very pleased to return to the place he always considered home in his retirement.
His family will remember that “Papa Too” always liked to cut up with those who were involved in his care and always had a good story to tell. He enjoyed practical jokes and a good meal with his family.
He is survived by his brother, Gilmore (Marie) Tarpley, his children, Kent (Linda) Tarpley, Denise (Don) Tarpley-Ezell, and his grandchildren, Caleb (Lou) Paschall, Nathan Paschall, Mike Tarpley, Eric Tarpley, Deanna Tarpley, and Jake Tarpley. He is also survived by his devoted nieces and nephews.
The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date. His family requests that any memorial donations be made to the Giles County High School Football program.
Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home and Crematory in charge of arrangements for Mr. William Thomas “Tom” Tarpley.