Sidney Bernard Talley Jr.

MILLINGTON - Sidney Bernard Talley, Jr., (“Tinker”) 72 of Millington, TN, died and went to his heavenly home on December 16, 2020. Tinker was born August 12, 1948, to Sidney Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Roberts Talley, and spent most of his life living in Shelby County and West Tennessee. He graduated from Millington High School in 1966 and graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 1970 where he earned his BA in Agriculture. He would say that he was an “educated tractor driver” and enjoyed his life’s work of feeding people. He was the Outstanding Young Farmer in Lauderdale County, TN, in 1974. He farmed in partnership with his brother, Randy Talley, for many years in Lauderdale County. Together they owned and operated Durhamville Gin in Durhamville, TN, for several years.

After moving back to Shelby County, he worked as a chemical spray technician for a landscape company. He raised gourmet vegetables and was very proud of his excellent crops which were sold to many of Memphis’ top chefs. He collected antique agricultural books, especially those about cotton. His last years were spent making many people happy with knitted hats and scarves. He will be remembered as a kind and generous man who gave away far more things than he sold.

Tinker is survived by his wife, Vicki Williamson Talley; his three children, Paul R. Talley (Kelli) in Gates, TN; Robin Bounds in Mobile, AL; and Mary Talley Hurdle (Scott) of Oakland, TN. His is also survived by his step-daughter, Amanda Wilson (Cliff ) of Memphis, TN. He is survived by 2 grandchildren, Day Bounds and Allie Bounds of Mobile, AL; 5 step-grandchildren, Addison Wilson and Sophia Wilson of Memphis; Emilee Williams (Aaron) of Gates, TN, Kaylee Adkerson of Halls, TN, and Ailee Adkerson of Ripley, TN, and 2 step-great grandchildren, Trinity and Emma Kate Williams of Gates, TN. Also surviving is his brother, Randy Talley of Millington, TN, nephews, Jeff (Michelle) Talley and Chris (Sara) Talley, both of Tutweiler, MS, and niece, Dawn Carmack (Curtis) of Ripley, TN.

Tinker is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Talley, Sr., his sister-in-law, Arlene Talley, and a stepson, Matt Mitchell, along with numerous aunts and uncles. A private graveside service was held in West Union Cemetery in Millington, TN.

In lieu of flowers, please make any memorial donations to St. Jude. Munford Funeral Home

Millington Chapel

(901) 873-0123

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