Willie Lee "Bill" Tarlton Jr.

Ruby, SC

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          Mr. Willie Lee “Bill” Tarlton, Jr., age 83, entered into rest on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Friday, November 17, 2023 at Ruby Presbyterian Church by Pastor Beth H. Muse and Brent Taylor with burial to follow in the Ruby Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday, November 16, 2023 at Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home.

          Mr. Tarlton was born March 23, 1940 in Chesterfield County, SC a son of the late Willie Lee Tarlton, Sr. and Dorothy “Dot” Sellers Tarlton. After completing his education at Ruby High School in 1959, he went on to serve in the South Carolina Army National Guard. Bill was a founding member of the Ruby – Mt. Croghan Volunteer Fire Department. He was a faithful member of Ruby Presbyterian Church where he served as former deacon, choir member, and building and grounds committee chairman and was a Ruling Elder. Mr. Tarlton also served for many years on the Ruby Cemetery Committee and was instrumental in designing and constructing the Ruby playground.

Bill had a passion for dirt track and drag racing, often attending classic car shows and restoring antique cars himself. He was a proud member of the Jewel City Cruisers. His enthusiasm extended to being an avid NASCAR fan with a particular admiration for Dale Earnhardt.

One of Mr. Tarlton's most meaningful endeavors was creating the Susan Tarlton Memorial Park in honor of his late wife. This project held special significance to him as it provided a cherished space for tribute right in their backyard. A man who never met a stranger, Bill always greeted everyone with a smile and had a story to share.

          In addition to his parents, Mr. Tarlton was also preceded in death by his wife, Susan McCreight Tarlton.

          Survivors include his sons, William Stephen Tarlton and wife Kathy of Ruby, SC, and Kevin Delesline Tarlton (Megan) of Chesterfield, SC; grandchildren, Kassi Dale "Pooze" Tarlton of Columbia, SC, Reese, Conor, Madison, and Mason Tarlton; sister, Dottie Ann Lowery of Chesterfield, SC; sisters-in-law, Jane M. Turpin of York, SC, and Suzanne McCreight of VA; uncles, Donald (Carolyn) Sellers of Chesterfield, SC, and James Sellers of High Point, NC; in addition to numerous nieces and nephews.

          Memorials may be made to Ruby Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 35, Ruby, SC 29741, or to the Ruby Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 3, Ruby, SC 29741. 

          Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) of Chesterfield, SC is serving the Tarlton family.