Joseph Ray Tapley

Mr. Joseph Ray Tapley Sr. U.S. Army Retired Mr. Joseph Ray Tapley Sr., of Augusta, died on Thursday, May 13, 2010.He was 74 years old. The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 16, 2010 from 4:00 until 6:00 pm at The Poteet Funeral Home, 3465 Peach Orchard Road.The funeral service will be conducted on Monday, May 17, 2010 at 11:30 a.m. at the St. Michaels Parish Good Shepherd Chapel at Fort Gordon.Committal services will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park with military honors. Mr. Tapley is survived by his wife of more than 54 years, Judith L. Tapley; their son, Joseph Ray Tapley Jr. and his wife, Amy W. Tapley, of Martinez; his brother, Robert Lee Tapley and his wife, Marcela, of Topeka, Kansas; three grandchildren, Judith L. Tapley of Augusta, Katelin N. Tapley, and Abigail G. Tapley, both of Martinez. Mr. Tapley retired as Sgt. 1st Class in 1978 after 26 years of active service in the United States Army.He served in the Vietnam War and received the Bronze Star along with many other awards and decorations.He was a member of St. Michaels Parish Good Shepherd Chapel at Fort Gordon. After his retirement, he worked for the City of Augusta at Bush Field in horticulture and refueling. Mr. Tapley enjoyed lapidaries: he made many pieces of jewelry from rock.He loved to fish.He was a lovable person, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. The Poteet Funeral Home, 3465 Peach Orchard Road, Augusta, 706.798.8886, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.