Laurel J. Tapman Jr., decorated veteran
Laurel J. Tapman Jr., 87, of Millsboro died peacefully surrounded by his family at his son’s home in Laurel, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2011. Born in Bullbeger, Va., March 13, 1924, he was the son of the late Laurel James Sr. and Anna Taylor Tapman.
He was spent his entire life on the Eastern Shore, except for his service in the U.S. Army overseas. He earned a good conduct medal, World War II Victory medal, and was decorated for Asiatic Pacific Service and American Theater Service. In 194, he married his wife, Kathleen Joseph Tapman, and had 52 years with her until her passing in 1999. Laurel worked for 45 years in the poultry business at Townsends Inc.
Laurel is survived by his son: Bryan Tapman, and his wife Darlene, of Laurel; his daughter: Zella Andrie, and husband Bill, of Millsboro; and a son-in-law: Skip Ulrich, of Georgetown. He was preceded in death by one daughter: Linda Ulrich. He is also survived by his siblings: William Tapman, and his wife Elizabeth, Shirley Moore and Glenna Layton; and a sister-in-law: Sarah Tapman. He was preceded by one brother, Richard Tapman. He has six grandchildren: Chris Tapman, Jennifer Bloodsworth, Ronnie Andrie and wife Tammy, Mike Andrie and wife Stacey, Dawn Drew, and husband Stewart, and Holly Ferebee and husband John. He also has a stepgrandson: Stacey Lowe, and his wife Brooke. He has 15 great-grandchildren: Ashley Tapman, Donna Tapman, Kayla Tapman, Lee Bloodsworth, Christian Bloodsworth, RonRon Andrie, Brandon Andrie, Tiffany Andrie, Dalton Andrie, Jordan Drew, Lanay Drew, Cherie Ferebee, Heather Ferebee, Nicki Ferebee and Morgan Lowe. Laurel also is survived by two great-great grandchildren.
A funeral service and celebration of his life will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 1, at Watson Funeral Home; 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro, where friends may call one hour prior to the service for visitation and viewing. Pastor Robert Hudson will officiate. Interment follows at the Carey’s Cemetery with conferring of military honors.
