February 24, 1941 - May 29, 2024

Clarence Lee Tarpley, 83, of Roanoke, went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, May 29, 2024. He was preceded by his grandparents, the Rev. E.N. Tarpley and wife Elizabeth, and Walter P. and Reba Crouch; parents, Claude Lee Tarpley and Lucille Payne.

Clarence was a graduate of Andrew Lewis High School where he was a member of the 1958 State Champion Track Team, as well as a member of the football team. After graduating from high school he attended Virginia Tech where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets and the football team. Following his time at Virginia Tech he accepted a job as an Electrical Engineer working for several communications companies and ultimately retired from AT&T. He was a kind man with a generous heart and had many varied hobbies including; woodworking, gardening, and beekeeping. He was an experienced ham radio operator with the call sign of WA4OMR and also served with the MARS system (Military Affiliate Radio Service). He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, The Sons of Confederate Veterans, and Taylor Masonic Lodge.

Surviving is his high school sweetheart and wife of 65 years, the Rev. Betty Arrington Tarpley; sons, Adam Clarence Tarpley (Sharon), Jay Stuart Tarpley; grandchildren, Joel Stuart Tarpley (Grace), Christina Cripps, Nicholas Cripps (Rachel); sisters, Joyce Lynn Rausch (Richard "Dick"), Luanne Osborne (David); and numerous nieces and nephews.

In recognition of the love that Clarence had for his German shepherd dogs the family asks that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to the Virginia German Shepherd Rescue, P.O. Box 733, Centreville, VA 20122-0733.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Clarence's primary care physcian, Dr. Matt Billups, as well as Dr. Luke Ennis and the staff at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

A Celebration of Clarence's life will be held 2 p.m., Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road, with the Rev. Emory Tarpley officiating. The family will receive friends 2 hours prior to the service. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home, 540 366 0707.

Simpson Funeral Home

5160 Peters Creek Road Roanoke, Virginia 24019