James Alton Tarkington

James Alton Tarkington, 62, of 1520 Pea Ridge Road, Roper, NC, died Sunday, June 8, 2014 in Vidant Chowan Hospital, Edenton. Mr. Tarkington was born in Chowan County and was the son of the late Paul Alton and Frances Harrell Tarkington. He had worked as a commercial truck driver. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Crystal Spruill Phelps. Surviving are his wife of 23 years, Wanda Waterfield Tarkington; a daughter, Tammy Spruill Bunch and husband Ken of Edenton; six sisters, Pat Williams and husband Ken and Marsha Irene Stevenson and husband Dalton, all of Edenton, Vickie Ange and husband Phillip and Lena Davenport and husband Dean, all of Plymouth; Norma Phillips and husband James, and Betty Forbes, all of Roper; two brothers, Donnie Frank Tarkington and wife Arlene, and Jimmy Tarkington, all of Roper; four grandchildren, Kristina Sawyer, Shane Spruill, Austin Phelps, and Courtney Phelps; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family members. A graveside memorial service will be held Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. in the family cemetery near the home and will be officiated by Pastor Howard E. Masencup. Friends may join the family for a time of visitation Tuesday from 6 to 7 p.m. in Miller Funeral Home & Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, and all other times at the residence. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.