DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – James Rodney Tarrants, 64, passed peacefully from this world and into the arms of Jesus early in the morning of Tuesday, June 27, 2023 after a valiant battle with Leukemia. He was at his home in Pittsboro, N.C. with loved ones by his side. Born October 15, 1958 Rodney Tarrants had a knack for sales from the very start. In elementary school, he won top honors for selling magazines. As a teenager, he sold Rainbow vacuum sweepers, door to door. And at just 19-years old, Rodney would begin a tremendously successful career selling insurance.
Rodney was exceptional with numbers, and with people he was loyal and dedicated. Rodney’s job required him to gain the trust and respect of men twice his age so they would entrust him with their money. With patience and perseverance, Rodney grew his clientele and his reputation. He eventually landed a position as a regional manager for Allstate Insurance, winning many awards, accolades and worldwide travels along the way. However, Rodney was most proud that his successes in work and life were a reflection of the “gentleman” he was striving to become. To that end, he was always pulling from his Kentucky heritage of hard work and kindness, along with his many years of experience treating people the way he would want to be treated.
In addition to a successful career, Rodney enjoyed spending time with his family, spoiling his grandchildren, joking with his brother and chasing a little white ball around any golf course with any one of his many golfing buddies.
Rodney also has many fond memories exploring various cultures around the globe by water, land and air.
He was also an avid UNC basketball fan. Go Tar Heels!
Spending the last two years of his life battling Cancer, gave Rodney a lot of time to remember and reflect. Some of the words-of-wisdom he put in writing to leave for his grandchildren include these: love much, laugh often, and listen to your loved ones.
Rodney was preceded in death by his parents: Rodney Lee Tarrants, Ida Jean Ferguson Tarrants (Charles “Bug” Harper), and by Diane Rogers Tarrants (Brian’s mom).
Rodney leaves behind many loved ones to cherish his memory including his wife Donna; daughter April Simmons (Harry); son Brian Davis (Aleica); daughter Crystal Jones (John), and grandchildren, Savannah, Mallory, Jacob, Sarah, Paityn, and Kinsley; stepmother Betty Tarrants, brother Tom (Lisa) and their sons Chad and Dillion.
The Tarrants Family would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to all the caregivers at the UNC Cancer Hospital. We greatly appreciate your compassion and your care throughout this journey.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2pm Saturday July 1, 2023, at Barbecue Presbyterian Church located at 124 Barbecue Church Rd., Sanford, NC 27332.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to any organization that supports Leukemia Research.
The Tarrants Family is under the care of the Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online condolences: www.hallwynne.com – select obituaries.”
