Vernon Reed Tapp

Vernon Reed Tapp, a native of Fayette County, well-known farmer, cattleman, landowner and tax practitioner and husband of Vera Ann Minnard Tapp, died at 8:58 A.M. Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at the Methodist-Healthcare Fayette Hospital of Somerville. He was 87 years of age.

Funeral services for Mr. Tapp were conducted at 11 A.M. Friday, November 21st at the Somerville Church of Christ with Dr. Leo Powers, officiating.  He was assisted by Bro. Chris Coil, minister of the church. Interment, with Full Military Honors followed in the Carter Family Cemetery on the Tapp Family Farm. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes-Main Chapel of Somerville.

Mr. Tapp was born February 26, 1921, in Fayette County, the son of the late James Alfred Tapp and Ida Mabel Holt Tapp.  Mr. Tapp received his education in the public school system of Fayette County and was a 1939 graduate of the Fayette County High School in Somerville.  He was married December 13, 1941, to the former Vera Ann Minnard, a native of the Macon Community of Fayette County.

Mr. Tapp was a recipient of the Purple Heart, having served in the United States Army's 12th Armored Division- The Hellcats during World War II.  Mr. Tapp was known for his patriotism and had a vast knowledge of the history of World War II.  He was a member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post #5013 in Somerville.

Mr. Tapp was a devoted member of the Somerville Church of Christ where he served faithfully as an elder of the Church from February 14, 1960 until his death.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Tapp is survived by his daughters, Wanda T. Barton of Olive Branch and Donna T. Anderson (Steve) of Somerville; his son, Jimmie Glynn Tapp of Stanton; his half-sister, Lenita McCraw of Braden; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Those honored to serve as casketbearers were Steve Anderson, Jeremy Anderson, Michael Anderson, Ken Schultze, Troy Tapp and Josh David.

Honorary casketbearers were George Adams, Darrell Beard, John Foster, Al Helm, Harold Shivers and Members of the Local VFW Post #5013.

The family requests that memorials be directed to the Somerville Church of Christ, 15925 Highway 64, Somerville, TN 38068, Phone: (901) 465-2632.