Mr. Billy Joe Tarleton

Mr. Billy Joe Tarleton, 85, of Thomaston, died Thursday, May 13, 2021 at Brightmoor Hospice in Griffin. Funeral services for Mr. Tarleton will be held on Sunday, May 16, 2021 at 12:00 PM at Elkins Creek Baptist Church. Burial with military honors will follow in the Church Cemetery. The family of Mr. Tarleton will receive friends at Elkins Creek Baptist Church on Sunday from 11:00 AM until the funeral hour. Mr. Tarleton was born in Shelbyville, TN, on May 17, 1935, a son of the late James L. and Myrtle B. Entrekin Tarleton. He proudly served his country in the U. S. Army and was later employed as a stock clerk for the Ford Motor Company, Hapeville Assembly Plant. Mr. Tarleton was a member of Elkins Creek Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. He was a diehard NASCAR fan. Mr. Tarleton is survived by his wife, Jean F. Tarleton, with whom he had recently celebrated 38 years of marriage; five daughters, Misty (Robin) Garner of Williamson, Amy (Joe) Wright of Concord, Kathleen (Willie) Tarleton of Talbotton, Diane (Pat) Salmon of Rome and Susan (William) Tate of Highlands, NC; four sons, Timmy Jones of Thomaston, Brandon (Kirstie) Tarleton of Kathleen, Mike (Raquel) Tarleton of Rome and Joseph (Robyn) Tarleton of Savannah; two sisters, Gerald Eller of Griffin and Pat (Joel) Cardell of Williamson; four brothers, Ray (Annie May) Tarleton and Charlie (Jane) Tarleton, both of Griffin, Randy (Linda) Tarleton of Florida, and Butch (Vicky) Tarleton of Griffin; 16 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sons, Terry Tarleton and Chance Tarleton; a sister, Jane Barzo; and two brothers, Avery Tarleton and Edward Tarleton. Fletcher-Day Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com