Billy Joe Tarver Obituary, Is Billy Joe Tarver Still Alive?

Publish date: 2024-05-01
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Billy Joe Tarver Obituary, Death Cause – On January 25, 2024, the echoes of a life well-lived were silenced as Billy Joe Tarver, age 72, peacefully passed away at the VA Hospital in Jackson, MS. Born in Bastrop, LA, on April 20, 1951, to Henry Frank and Laura Edna Tarver, Billy Joe’s journey was marked by service, love, and a deep commitment to family. Billy Joe is preceded in death by his parents, brother Jimmy Tarver, and nephew Shannon Tarver. He is survived by his siblings Evelyn Langstaff and Henry Tarver (Vicki). His memory lives on through his children—Sabrina Dalton, Joseph, Thomas, and Samantha Tarver—and his grandchildren, Amelia, River, Ryder, and Olivia. Great-grandchildren Luna and Anna Kate, alongside numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, all bear the indelible mark of a man who loved them dearly.

A Patriot’s Service

Billy Joe Tarver retired in 2005 from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg District, where he served as the party chief of the geotech boring and drilling crew. His military journey began when he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving two tours in Vietnam as a Huey helicopter door gunner in the 1st Cavalry Division from 1969 to 1972. His valor earned him a Bronze Star and Air Medal. The impact of his military service went beyond medals—it instilled pride for the country and a sense of patriotism within the family. An avid motorcyclist, Billy Joe found joy in riding his Harley Davidson, often accompanied by his good friend, C.L. Nevels. He was also a proud member of the Patriot Guard, a group dedicated to honoring and supporting fallen heroes during their final journey. The road and the wind brought him a sense of freedom and camaraderie.

Simple Joys and Pastimes

Billy Joe’s life was adorned with simple joys and pastimes. Working in his yard, planting trees and flowers, tinkering with things to make them work, and playing with his dogs, Buster and Rocky, were among his favorite activities. These moments reflected the simple pleasures that brought him happiness. In the face of life’s challenges, Billy Joe found strength in his faith. He knew Jesus as his Lord and Savior, and his trust in Him endured through his final battle on earth. His favorite character in the Bible was Job, a testament to his strong faith and resilience in the face of adversity. The Tarver family expresses profound gratitude to the staff of the Community Living Center, VA Hospital, for their meticulous care and love shown to Billy Joe during his final days. Their compassion provided comfort and support during a challenging time.

Final Farewell

Chaplain David Allen will conduct the services at 12 PM on Saturday, Feb. 3, at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home, 5000 Indiana Avenue, Vicksburg, MS. Visitation will commence at 10 AM until the hour of service. A graveside committal will follow at Greenlawn Garden Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests honoring Billy Joe by reading the Bible, spending time with family, planting something green, or serving the community or country. These simple acts encapsulate the values that Billy Joe held dear throughout his life. As family, friends, and the community gather to bid their final farewell, Billy Joe Tarver’s legacy lives on in the hearts and actions of those he touched—a soldier, a family man, and a patriot.

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