Willie Tarldon Neese

Willie Tarldon Neese (February 15, 1936 - August 8, 2024)

Willie Tarldon Neese, a resident of Spanish Fort, Alabama was born on February 15, 1936, in Rose Hill, Alabama, and passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. Tarldon’s family and close friends fondly knew him as Tap, Daddy, or Pappy. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend who touched the lives of many with his wisdom and wit. 

Tarldon grew up in Andalusia, Alabama, and developed a strong work ethic as an adolescent and worked in Emmett Sharp’s Grocery Store. After high school graduation, he worked briefly with the FBI in Washington D.C. before attending Alabama Polytechnic Institute/Auburn University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Entomology. He served in the U.S. Army in Korea in the Signal Corps. He met his wife, Helen, who he fondly referred to as “Ladybug” in Sylacauga, Alabama. After they married, his work for the Department of Agriculture in the Plant Quarantine division and later U.S. Customs Service took them to New York City, New Orleans, Nassau, Bahamas, and in the late 1960s, Mobile, Alabama. It was during this time in his life that he settled in Spanish Fort, Alabama where they raised their family. During the 1980s he moved to Panama City, Florida to become the Port Director of four ports. After 39 years of government service, they returned to Spanish Fort, Alabama.

Tarldon was a man of many talents and interests. He was passionate about playing guitar, singing in his church choirs, harmony in Barbershop, collecting insects, and photography. He was also known for his storytelling, often sharing his life experiences on his FaceBook page for all to enjoy. 

Tarldon was preceded in death by his parents, Erma Dell Head Neese and Manford Neese, and his great-granddaughter, Lillian McCleery. He is survived by his wife, Helen, of 62 years, his three daughters, Diane McCleery (Winston) of Mobile, Alabama, Carolyn McCrary of Orange Beach, Alabama, Sandra Mann (Rob) of Petal, Mississippi, six grandchildren, Tyler McCleery (Rachel) of Huntsville, Alabama, Mandy Hughes (Thomas) of Gulf Shores, Alabama, his namesake Tarldon Connor McCleery (Carley) of Mobile, Alabama, Zach McCleery, of Austin, Texas, Mason Cody, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Tori McCrary, of Destin, Florida, and seven great-grandchildren, Braiden Hughes, Charlie Brooke Hughes, Livi James Hughes, Clayton McCleery, Aurora McCleery, Caelynn McCleery, and Everly McCleery. 

The family will hold a memorial service on Friday, August 16, 2024 at 1:00pm from Spanish Fort Presbyterian Church to celebrate Tarldon’s life.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Disabled Veterans of America in his honor. Willie Tarldon Neese will be deeply missed, but he will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

ARRANGEMENTS BY

WOLFE-BAYVIEW

FUNERAL HOMES

& CREMATORY, INC.

27409 US HWY 98

DAPHNE, AL

(251)625-2900

www.wolfefuneralhomes.com