Rev. Arthur Talley Jr.

Reverend Arthur Talley, Jr, 85, peacefully completed his final journey to his home in heaven on February 23, 2026 at 6:35 a.m. He was a resident at the Falkville Rehabilitation Center under the care of Affinity Hospice. Arthur was born to the late Arthur Jart Littleton Talley and the late Pearl Mae (Yates) Talley on November 29, 1940 in Leoma Tennessee. Arthur married the late Rebecca June (Meherg) Talley on November 28, 1961. He is preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Rebecca June (Meherg), his parents, and his siblings; Paul, Flossie, Nadine, Vesta, Herman, DC, Geraldine, Mary Jo, and James. He is survived by his children Dr. Robert (Dawn) Talley of Forest, VA, Lucretia (Donnie) Echols of Cullman, Alabama, Carla Huddleston of Madison, Alabama, Missionary Michael (Marsha) Talley of Koenigs-Wusterhausen, Berlin, Germany, Dr. Deborah (John) Secord of Lincoln, North Dakota, Pastor David (Tonya) Talley of Hurlock, Maryland, Rev. Stephen (Talitha) Talley of Crossville, Alabama, Sarah (Doug) Crosby of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, 26 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild and a host of nieces and nephews. Arthur was a 1959 graduate of Fairview High School. He earned an Associate in Applied Science in Mechanical Technology from John C. Calhoun State Technical Junior College, a Bachelor of Science from Athens State College, a Master of Ministry from Bethany Theological Seminary, and also studied at North Carolina State University. He was a Senior Research Engineer in Monsanto Textiles Company’s Technical Center (Decatur) and Hills Inc. (Melbourne, Florida) before becoming a consultant with Bico SpinDoctor. During his tenure as an engineer, he obtained more than twenty patents. He was a proud veteran of the United States Airforce, serving from 1959 - 1963 as a jet engine mechanic on Canon Airforce Base in Clovis, New Mexico with overseas service in Thailand. He was a preacher of the gospel for 53 years, and planted three churches (Emmanuel Baptist – Fayetteville, TN, Faith Baptist – Eva, AL, and Bethel Baptist – Addison, AL, and also pastored Emmanuel Baptist Church – Decator, AL for a number of years. When he wasn’t pastoring, he was involved in the music ministry of various churches. He taught singing schools using shaped notes and Stamps-Baxter music all across the North Alabama area. He was most known for his voice. As a soloist, he was frequently called upon to sing How Great Thou Art, Part of My Life, and The Unseen Hand among other songs. His family and friends often joined him in singing. He truly loved to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord.” Arthur had a competitive spirit which was apparent in both his work and his play. He loved to joke and was always pulling pranks on someone. He was an avid Alabama football fan and never lost an opportunity to say, Roll Tide! Arthur grew up on a farm and loved his garden. He enjoyed working farmers markets in North Alabama with his son’s farm, Talley Fruit Farms, and was well known for his humor, his kindness, and his ability to boost sales by offering samples of his wife’s pepper jelly. He was proud of his children and especially of the fact that all four of his boys are preachers of the gospel. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 6 from 6 - 8 PM at Shelton Funeral Home in Decatur, Alabama. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 7 at 10:00 AM at Daniel's Chapel Baptist Church in Eva, Alabama followed by a graveside service at the same location. Pall Bearers and honorary pall bearers will be his grandsons Philip Talley, Matthew Terry, Carl Huddleston, Joseph Huddleston, Nathan Huddleston, Joshua Talley, John Talley, Maverick Secord, Seth Talley, Eli Talley, Patrick Talley, Gavin Talley, Graham Talley, Jonathan Crosby, Eric Crosby, and great grandsons, Jacob Anderson and Aaron Webb.

Rev. Arthur Talley Jr.

November 29, 1940 - February 23, 2026