John Willie Tarver

John Tarver, affectionately known as “Billy”, was born April 10, 1949, in Bakersfield, California to Reverend Willie J. and Joycene Tarver. Billy was the oldest of seven children. Until the age of 8, the family lived in Hill Top. During that time, Billy was quiet, but active. The three oldest Tarver boys , Billy, Larry, and Melvin were often outside exploring and chasing or catching animals. Billy was so stealthy that he was able to catch, with his bare hands, a rabbit or two, an owl or hawk, and snakes…lots of snakes.

The family moved to Arvin in 1958. It was here that the family grew with the addition of Joseph, Timothy, Daniel, and Charlene making the Tarver family complete with seven children.

Billy attended Fairfax Elementary School and Haven Drive Junior High School where he was a great athlete. Billy attended Arvin High School, where he continued his interest in sports and photography. After graduation from high school, he attended Bakersfield College where he wrestled. He had a pleasing voice and was part of a musical group during that time. Then Vietnam happened and Billy was drafted into the Army. He did not see combat. From his time hunting with his father and brothers, he became an excellent marksman, and this was recognized during his time in the Army.

As an adult, Billy became a member of Bright Hope Baptist church and was baptized by Rev. Hubert H. Lassiter. Although he believed in God and frequently asked for prayer, he was not a current active member. His favorite saying was, “It’s easy to make a crooked line, but it’s hard to make a straight line.” His line had become a little straighter.

Billy is preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Willie J. Tarver and Joycene Tarver and one brother, Melvin Tarver. Billy leaves behind his children; Marc Tarver (mother, Donna Green), Tamicka Tarver, Mack Tarver (separated-deceased wife, mother, Gwendolyn Johns), Akilah Tarver, LaTrice Tarver-Gray (AJ), and Teren Tarver (mother, Jackie Young), four brothers and one sister: Laurence (Deborah) Tarver, Joseph (Susan) Tarver, Timothy (Shelly) Tarver, Daniel Tarver, and Charlene Tarver. He also leaves behind 26 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A visitation for John will be held Tuesday, June 27, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, CA 93306. A graveside service will occur Wednesday, June 28, 2023 from 1:15 PM to 1:45 PM at Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 East Bear Mountain Blvd., Arvin, CA 93203. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, June 28, 2023 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, CA 93306.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hillcrestmemorial.com for the Tarver family.