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Tommy Joe Tarleton, a native of Thomasville, Ala., played three years (’47-’49) of baseball and two years (’47-’48) of football for West Alabama after transferring from Auburn. Tarleton became the assistant football, baseball and basketball coach at Tuscaloosa High School in 1954. He became the head basketball coach in 1960 and had a 431-69 record over 17 years. He sent teams to the state tournament nine times and won two State Championships. Tarleton became head golf coach in 1969 and won four State Championships in ten years. He also served as head golf coach at Tuscaloosa Academy. Tarleton is also a member of the UWA Society of The Golden Key.
Obituary
TUSCALOOSA Thomas J. Tar-leton, age 82, of Tuscaloosa, died April 1, 2011, at LaRocca Nursing Home. Memorial services were held 3 p.m. Monday, April 4, 2011, at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Ken Dunivant officiating and with Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home North directing. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joel M. Tarleton. Survivors include his wife, Ann Tarleton of Tuscaloosa; his daughters, Lisa (David) Pike of Tuscaloosa and Jo Del (Dexter) Hambaugh of Birmingham; his grandchildren, Tarleton (Ashley) Pike of Tuscaloosa and Callie Pike of Tuscaloosa; and his great-grandson, Tate Pike of Tuscaloosa. A native of Pine Hill, he grew up in Thomasville, graduated from Livingston State College (now the University of West Alabama), and earned masters and AA degrees from the University of Alabama. He was a U.S. Army veteran, served in Korea and retired as a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserves after a 20-year career. He taught and coached at Jackson High School before moving to Tuscaloosa where he earned statewide acclaim as a coach, winning state championships in basketball and golf at Tuscaloosa High and Tuscaloosa Academy. He was named coach of the year on several occasions and was inducted into the Alabama High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 1991. He wrote a book, "Tips and Ideas for Winning Basketball," that became a must-read for coaches. He also served as an administrator for the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education. An active civic leader, he was involved with the American Heart Association and West Alabama Rehabilitation Services. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Tuscaloosa and was a member of the Lee class. The family expresses its appreciation to Dr. Anne Lewis, Dr. William Hill, Dr. Keith DeBell, and staff members at LaRocca Nursing Home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to The Rise School, P.O. Box 870305, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, or the First United Methodist Church. Published in Tuscaloosa News from Apr. 3 to Apr. 5, 2011.
Sources
- Year: 1930; Census Place: Pine Hill, Wilcox, Alabama; Page: 4A; Enumeration District: 0008; FHL microfilm: 2339789
- The National Archives in St. Louis, Missouri; St. Louis, Missouri; WWII Draft Registration Cards for Alabama, 10/16/1940-03/31/1947; Record Group: Records of the Selective Service System, 147; Box: 267
- Publication Place: Alabama, USA; URL: http://www.tributes.com/obituary/print_selections/91232949?type=1
- Social Security Number: 424-30-8307
- Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 21 August 2020), memorial page for Thomas J “Tom” Tarleton (21 Sep 1928–1 Apr 2011), Find a Grave Memorial no. 211645975, citing Magnolia Chapel Mausoleum and Cemetery, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, USA ; Maintained by sherrien59 (contributor 47559568) .
