James Ray Tapley, age 91, passed away Monday, October 9, 2023.

James was born in Kite, GA to the late Julia and Eason Tapley.  He graduated from Swainsboro High School Class of 1949.  He lived in Savannah for a number of years before moving to Eden 35 years ago.

He was a retired Construction Superintendent for Choate Construction.  He had worked for Adams Construction and Carson Construction during his career and for Pet Milk for a number of years.  James was a U.S. Army Veteran having served in the Korean Conflict.

He was a man of few words but had a couple of sayings that ring true. He thanked God for another year on his birthday and he said, we are only passing through here, this is not our home.

James was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church on Tybee Island.  He loved to fish and bird hunt.

James is survived by his daughters, Robin Burns (Walter) of Midway, GA and Dana Hadwin (Lee) also of Midway, GA.; two brothers, Pete Tapley (Diana) of Savannah, GA and Lynn Tapley (Linda) of Sandersville, GA; five grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and his longtime companion, Sandra Payton.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 13, 2023 at Richmond Hill Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Burial will be private at Sardis Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.