James Rodney Tarrants

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.

After a valiant battle with Leukemia, James Rodney Tarrants, 64, passed peacefully from this world and into the arms of Jesus early in the morning of June 27, 2023. He was at his home in Pittsboro, NC with loved ones by his side.

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 is 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 with daughter April Simmons (Harry), his son Brian Davis (Aleica), his daughter Crystal Jones (John), and six grandchildren: Savannah, Mallory, Jacob, Sarah, Paityn, and Kinsley; his stepmother Betty Tarrants, his brother Tom (Lisa) and their sons Chad and Dillion; And his step-sister Pam Williams. 

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.