Russell Tarter

Russell Ray Tarter, age 76, of Somerset, KY, formerly of Nancy, KY, was born on December 11, 1946 and passed on Thursday, February 23, 2023. 

He is survived by his loving wife Janice Loy Tarter, whom he married on April 5, 1969 in Russell County; his daughter, Teresa Tarter Popplewell (Adrian) of Somerset; and his son Mark Tarter (Myra) of St. Joseph, TN.  He has four grandchildren Kari Popplewell Myers (Collin), Bailey Tarter, Lily Tarter and Landon Tarter and twin great grandbabies Henry Joseph Myers and Sophie Jean Myers.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur Tarter and Eugenia Flynn Tarter.

Russell was a member of White Oak Baptist Church where he spent many of his adult years worshipping his Savior.  He was a businessman for many years, being the co-founder of Toyota of Somerset and a Real Estate Developer.  He was the owner of Tarter’s Wrecking Yard where he and Jan supplied auto parts to the patrons of Nancy, KY and surrounding areas.  

Russell enjoyed spending time with his friends. In his early years, Russell enjoyed playing volleyball and basketball, then in his middle years, he loved to golf and he later enjoyed playing rook with his buddies.

Most of all, Russell was a family man and loved spending time with them, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was known to his grandchildren as Pa, and he spent 27 years as an involved grandfather and got to meet his first two great grandchildren.  No limitations were ever too much that he didn’t find a way to play with them.  His grandchildren got to enjoy riding four wheelers on his farm and his great grandchildren got to ride with him on his power chair. 

Russell will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be on Monday, February 27, 2023 from 5:00pm until 8:00pm at Lake Cumberland Funeral Home.

Russell’s funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at 11:00am at the Chapel of Lake Cumberland Funeral Home with Dr. James Floyd officiating.  Burial will be at Lakeside Memorial Gardens