Jeffery Neil Tarpley

Jeffery Neil Tarpley, known lovingly to family and friends as Chief, passed away on April 24, 2026, in Covington, Georgia, at the age of 68. Born on March 9, 1958, in Clayton County, Georgia, he lived a life marked by hard work, service, talent, and devotion to the people he loved. Jeff was a man of many gifts and many callings, and he carried each one with pride. He was creative, handy, and intelligent, and those qualities showed in everything he did, from building with his hands to solving problems with his sharp mind. Jeff was a gifted musician who played the saxophone and performed with Boots Randolph and played at Six Flags. Music was one of the many ways he brought joy to others, and he had a natural ability to light up a room with his talent and personality. He also had a deep appreciation for classic films, great music, and the kind of stories and songs that stay with you for a lifetime. He knew lines from A Few Good Men, Lonesome Dove, Star Wars, The West Wing, Tombstone, and Phantom of the Opera at a moment’s notice, and he knew every George Jones song by heart. He was also a master carpenter and owned his own construction company, where his skill, determination, and work ethic earned the respect of many. He drove a truck for many years and later worked in the accounting department for Premier Transportation in Forest Park. Jeff began his law enforcement career with Clayton County, served as a captain in Forest Park, and ultimately retired as chief of police in Avondale Estates. His career reflected his commitment to responsibility, leadership, and service to his community. One of his proudest moments came when he had the honor of meeting President George W. Bush in the Oval Office. Jeff was also a computer enthusiast long before it was common to be one. He loved building computers and was known as a true computer nerd in the best sense of the word. He found joy in numbers, technology, and the challenge of figuring things out. He was also a Freemason for many years, a role that reflected his sense of fellowship and tradition. Above all else he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Carole Tarpley; his daughters and son in law, Leigh Tarpley, Mandi and Michael Clay; his sons and daughter in law, Jeffery and Felicia Tarpley and Ross Tarpley; his daughter-in-law, Mandy Graham; his grandchildren, Hunter Clay, Tyler Graham, Katelyn Graham, Hayden Clay, Ayden Tarpley, Holden Clay, Caleb Tarpley, Zachary Graham, Noah Tarpley, and Zane Hickey; his brother, Charles Rushton Tarpley Jr.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and Charles Tarpley and his son Dusty Graham. To his grandchildren, he was lovingly known as Papa Chief, a name that reflected the warmth, humor, and steady presence he brought into their lives. He loved being outdoors, especially fishing, and he found peace in simple moments spent with the people who mattered most. He was the kind of man who made ordinary days feel special, and his thoughtful gestures were remembered by all who knew him. He was generous in spirit, quick with a joke, and deeply wise when others needed guidance.

Jeff will be remembered not only for his accomplishments, but for the way he loved. He was a man who made others feel seen, valued, and protected. He was a source of strength, comfort, and laughter, and his presence made life better for those around him. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the lives he touched, and the many memories he leaves behind.

The family will have a private service at a later date