J. T. TARPLEY, age 88 of Madisonville, Ky. died Thursday, November 20, 2008, at Regional Medical Center in Madisonville, Ky.

He was born October 7, 1920 in Wilson County, Tenn. to the late H. B. and Emma Tribble Tarpley and preceded in death by his first wife: Lucille Patton Tarpley on Nov. 6, 1972 and Second Wife: Mary Clarke Tarpley on Jan. 23, 2001 and four brothers.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Madisonville, Ky. He was a member and Past Master of Meigs Lodge #213 Free and Accepted Masons in Decatur, Tenn. and the Order of Eastern Star in Athens, Tenn.

J. T. was a U. S. Army veteran having served in China, Burma and India Theater during World War II. He was employed with Volunteer Electric Cooperative of Decatur for 22 years serving as Superintendent of Operations for 16 of those years and was Superintendent of the Municipal Electric Department of Madisonville, Ky. for 22 years.

Survivors: Son and Daughter-in-law:John Earl and Jean Snider Tarpley of Gatlinburg, Tenn.  Brother and Sister-in-law: Raymond and Hazel Tarpley of Murfreesboro, Tenn.  Six Step Grandchildren.  Several Step Great Grandchildren.  Several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be 2:00 P. M. Tuesday in McMinn Memory Gardens with The Meigs Lodge #213 Free and Accepted Masons officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, Building Fund, 246 North Main St. Madisonville, Ky 42431.

There will be no formal visitation.

Those not able to attend may send condolences to mailto:condolences@laycock-hobbs.com