David Robert Tarpley

David “Dave” Robert Tarpley, 72 of Vancleave, MS passed away on Monday, August 10, 2026 at his residence.

He was born on March 3, 1954 in Bells, Texas to Robert Noel Tarpley and Josie Tarpley. He graduated from Bells High School and Grayson County College in Denison, TX. He attended numerous schools while serving in the United States Navy.

After leaving the Navy, he worked at Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant in Glen Rose, TX, offshore as an electrician, and Ingalls Shipbuilding. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy aboard the Nuclear-Powered Submarine, USS Sunfish where he achieved the rank of Petty Officer First Class.

Dave enjoyed fishing and camping in his younger years, mostly anything outdoors, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Noel Tarpley and Josie Tarpley; brother-in-law, Jimmy Conn; sister-in-law, Brenda Conn; nephews, Brandon Coward, Richard Coward, and Billy Lynn Fairley, Jr.

Dave is survived by his spouse, Shelby Jean Tarpley; children, Jason, Selena, Steven, and Kristie; numerous grandchildren; dog, Charlie, who is not the big bad dog he thinks he is; sisters-in-law, Carolyn (Eddie) Hart, Becky Adams, and Barbara Nelson; and numerous nephews and nieces.

If anyone would like to donate towards the cost of the funeral please see the go fund me at https://gofund.me/035f1cd51 or you can donate directly to Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes through this link Simple Payments

A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Pine Lake Baptist Church, Vancleave, MS. Friends may visit one hour prior. Burial will be at 11:00am on Friday, August 21, 2026 at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of David Robert Tarpley.