Leo Noel Tarpley, 93, passed away on Dec. 1, 2018. 

He was the son of the late Leo N. Tarpley Sr. and Elmina Balyeat Tarpley, and husband of the late Mariana Pierce Tarpley. 

Leo was a U.S. Army Air Corps Veteran of World War II. He was recruited straight out of high school as a captain of a B-17.

After his service, he graduated from Oklahoma University on the GI Bill.

Leo was retired from the Jewel Grocery Store Chain, where he was the comptroller.  

He was a member of Landrum First Baptist Church. 

He is survived by five daughters, Teresa Dolson, Tenese Payne and Toni Parker, Lucretia Faden, and Sami Bolton; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. 

A memorial service will be held in January, with the date to be announced.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, NC  28043.

Condolences may be left at pettyfuneralhome.com.

 Petty Funeral Home & Crematory, Landrum