Donald Lee Tarkenton

Donald Lee Tarkenton of Siler City, NC passed away on Tuesday, December 25, 2012 at the age of 64. Preceding Don in death was his father, James Theodore (Teddy) Tarkenton. Don was a loving and caring husband, father, son, and friend. Surviving to cherish his memory are his wife of 41 years, Margaret; daughter, Stephanie Tarkenton Hall of Siler City, NC; mother, Elsie L. Tarkenton, of Chesapeake, VA., and grand-dogs, Max and Rascal. Don was an alumnus of Oscar Frommel Smith High School, in Chesapeake, VA class of 1966. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Political Science and Social Sciences from Elon College in 1970. After receiving a Master of Public Administration degree from West Virginia University in 1971, he came to Siler City, NC as the youngest Town Manager in the state. Don worked for Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Siler City as a Branch Manager. His professional designations include Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Financial Consultant, and Chartered Life Underwriter. He was licensed for several Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Series licenses, and from 1995 to the present was a Member of the Board of FINRA Arbitrators. From December, 2008 to June 2011, he served as a Member of the Board of Trustees for the North Carolina Teachers and State Employees Retirement Systems through the Department of the State Treasurer. He was former Vice President of the Board of Trustees of Chatham Hospital, Inc. in Siler City, NC He was a former member and Chairman of the Siler City Planning Board and Board of Adjustments, and former Chairman of the Siler City Jobs Search Committee. He was former Director and Executive Committee member for Central Carolina Community College Foundation, Inc., and was a former Member of the Chatham County Board of Education. He was former President of the Siler City Chamber of Commerce, and recipient of the 1989 Distinguished Citizen Award presented by The Siler City Chamber of Commerce. He was former Director of the Siler City Rotary Club as a Paul Harris Fellow. In accordance with Don's wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial services. The family will receive friends at the home at 341 Pine Lake Drive, Siler City, NC. Donations may be made to Chatham Hospital, Inc. at 475 Progress Blvd., Siler City, NC 27344. Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.pughfuneralhome.com