David Tarpley

David Lee Tarpley, 93, of Chattanooga, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013. He was born in Blue Ridge, Ga., on July 14, 1920, son of R. Monroe and Hester Stanley Tarpley. Before entering the Navy, he worked on the construction of the secret city of Oak Ridge. David was a veteran of World War II, proudly serving in the United States Navy aboard the USS Markab, in the Pacific, the Philippines, Okinawa, and the occupation of Japan. In addition to loving his family, David loved to garden, grow trees, and share the fruits of his labor. He was a member of Oakwood Baptist Church. He worked for Service Electric Company, TVA, and was the assistant business manager for the IBEW Local 175. His life was a shining example of humility, integrity and compassion. A great man has indeed left this earth. In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Merle Plemons Tarpley; sisters Inez Bradford and Dorothy Holmes; brothers Earl, Herman, and Tommy Tarpley. He is survived by his four daughters and sons-in-law, Beverly and John Lackey, of Brentwood, Dorothy and Colin Masters, of Brentwood, Davia and Paul Brown, of Knoxville, and Gayle Winfrey, of Chattanooga; also his six grandchildren, Rachel Beavers (Chris), David Lackey, Dawnn Smith (Richard), Josh Masters (Kelly), Katie Brown, and Kerry Ewald (Brian); and seven great-grandchildren, Riley, Madeleine, Caleb, Aidan, Mary Caroline, Crew, and Beau. A private family service will be held at the National Cemetery on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2013. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.