Rupert Burley "RB" Tant Jr.

Rupert “RB” Tant, Jr. went to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 8, 2023. RB was born at home, August 2, 1943 in Zebulon, North Carolina, the son of the late Rupert (Sr.) and Columbus Edwards Tant. He was the oldest of 5 siblings, who preceded him in death, as well as his daughter, Stephanie Dawn Tant Parker.

He graduated from Wakelon High School in Zebulon, 1961, prior to joining the United States Navy as an opticalman. He served aboard the Shenandoah-class destroyer tender USS Tidewater, continuing his service more than 12 years until his rate was disestablished. RB was a veteran of the Raleigh Police Department prior to his tenure at Ajinomoto USA, where he retired after 25 years.

RB loved his family fiercely and was an exemplar for anyone who met him. He is survived by his wife of over 32 years, Doris “DJ” Tant; stepson, Jake McAllister (Deborah), son-in-law, Greg Parker; grandchildren, Tyler “TJ” Parker (Emma), Jesse Parker (Kasey), Julianne McAllister, Troy McAllister, and Elizabeth McAllister, along with four great grandchildren, Levi Parker, Ophelia Parker, Timothy Parker, and Thomas Parker.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 2:00pm in the chapel of McLaurin Funeral Home with the family receiving friends one hour prior to the service from 1:00 until 2:00pm. The committal service will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kennedy Home of Kinston (Baptist Children's Home) 2557 Cedar Dell Lane Kinston, NC 28504 www.bchfamily.org/kennedy-home, where RB spent a number of his childhood years.