Charles Lee "CT" Tarpley

Charles Lee “CT” Tarpley, 82, of Valdosta, passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Langdale Hospice House. Charles was a teacher, coach, husband, father, and friend. He had a big personality and an even bigger heart that he was always ready to share. 

Born in Augusta, GA, on November 16, 1942, Charles grew up in Augusta and graduated from Richmond Academy, where he starred on the baseball field and was named MVP his senior year in 1960. After high school, he attended Georgia Southern College on a baseball scholarship. Known as “Lefty” to his teammates, he was a four-year starter at first base and led the team in hitting during their 1962 National Championship season—the school’s only baseball national title. He earned a degree in Education in 1965.

During college, he met Jeane Broyles, a fellow sports enthusiast and aspiring teacher. They married shortly after graduation and moved to Rome, GA, where Charles taught Health and PE at West Rome High School and coached basketball, baseball, and football. After eight years, he moved to Valdosta with Coach Nick Hyder to join the staff of the Valdosta Wildcats, “The Winningest High School Football Team in the Nation” . There, he taught Health and Physical Education and eventually became department head. 

Arriving in Valdosta in 1974, Charles served as linebackers coach until 1990, when he became defensive coordinator. Over 37 years coaching football under Coaches Hyder and Mike O’Brien, his teams amassed 388 wins, 8 state championships, 3 national championships, and 19 region titles. One of his proudest accomplishments was coaching both of his sons’ teams to state championships during their senior years. 

In baseball, Charles coached at both West Rome High and Valdosta High, serving as assistant and head coach. He recorded 476 wins and led the Valdosta Wildcats to a state championship in 1978. He became head baseball coach in 1980 and held the position until 1998, winning six region titles. Charles received numerous coaching honors throughout his career, culminating in his induction into the Valdosta Wildcats Hall of Fame in 2016.

Throughout his career, CT was blessed to work with many outstanding teachers and coaches who became like family. He impacted countless student-athletes, whether by taking them on recruiting trips or picking them up in the equipment van for early morning workouts. He truly cared for kids from all backgrounds. 

After Jeane’s passing in 2006, Charles and Dian Chism connected through mutual friends, and they married in 2011. Dian embraced his large circle of family and friends with warmth and joy. He also enjoyed being included in her family, forming new bonds. They traveled together across the Southeast—to the beach, weddings, and family events, and together, they found a close-knit community in their Kinderlou neighborhood.

Family and friends were Charles’s greatest treasures. He loved attending his sons’ games and events, sharing meals with family, and being present for his grandchildren’s sports, performances, and other special moments. Time spent with his children and grandchildren helped soften the heart of the tough coach. He especially enjoyed time at the beach and pool with loved ones. 

He remained close to his Georgia Southern teammates and his coaching colleagues, cherishing their reunions. In later years, he spent many happy hours with friends at The Scoop. CT was also anactive member of First Methodist Church, serving as head usher and later as a shepherd in the children’s ministry. 

CT is survived by his loving wife Dian Tarpley, of Valdosta; his sons and daughters-in-law, Brad and Mary Clare Tarpley, and Lee and Maurie Tarpley, all of Valdosta; his bonus daughter, Shanna Ziolkowski, of Valdosta; his bonus sons, Brett and Sarah Chism, of Valdosta, and Tuzer Chism, of St. Mary’s; his grandchildren, Maggie Tarpley, Luke Tarpley, Tallen Tarpley, Reaves Tarpley, Braylee Chism, Hudson Chism, and Bennett Chism. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Donna (Ronnie) Weldon and Dee Dee Harris; a brother-in-law Dean (Donna) Harris; sisters-in-law, Raven Tarpley, Dr. India Broyles (Bob Shafto), and Rachel Broyles; his parents-in-law, Bobby and Vickie Moore; his beloved fur babies, Rugie and Mulberry; and countless nieces, nephews, coaches, players, students, and friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife Jeane Broyles Tarpley, his parents Marvin Harold Tarpley and Eunice Mathilda Tarpley, his brother Peter Harold Tarpley, and his brother-in-law Ed Broyles.

A private graveside service will be held at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. You're invited to a Celebration of Life for Charles "CT" Tarpley on Monday, June 16, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the First Methodist Church of Valdosta’s Fellowship Hall. This informal, drop-in event will feature food, fellowship, and shared memories, with opportunities throughout the evening for storytelling and reflection. Guests are encouraged to come as they are and bring a favorite memory to honor CT’s legacy of kindness, hard work, and loyalty. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Valdosta First Methodist Church, at www.valdostafmc.org or Valdosta High Baseball Boosters at PO Box 3134, Valdosta, GA 31604. Condolences to the family may be conveyed on the obituary page of www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home