Benjamin Tarkenton

Benjamin Neal Tarkenton, 45, of Nashville, TN, received his wings on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at 11:11a.m.

Benjamin was born in Dekalb County, GA. He graduated from South Gwinnett High School in Snellville, GA in 1994. Benjamin loved theatre and cross country and was highly active with the school productions and participated in several cross-country races held.  After high school, Benjamin attended North Georgia College for a few years where he pursued a degree in History.  He also carried the flag for some distance in the 1996 Olympics held in Atlanta.  Benjamin had a passion for music; he loved working in Atlanta which frequently included venues such as the Fox Theatre, Tabernacle, Chastain, Cotton Club, The Roxy, Center Stage, International Ballroom, Lakewood, Music Midtown, Philips Arena, Centennial Olympic Park as well as GA Tech, UGA, and many more.  He was able to meet many different musicians and collect memorabilia while doing so and he always had a story for every concert he worked.  He also loved collecting books of all kinds, old and new.  Additionally, Benjamin had part ownership of a comic bookstore in Conyers, GA. He loved collecting and reading comic books and graphic novels. He had an incredible ability to memorize things when it came to literature, music, and movies.  Benjamin loved talking with people; he was a stranger to no one; he had a huge heart.  He was a loving, caring, and fun person to be around. He would light up the room and make everyone laugh wherever he went.  He always went out of his way to help others, no questions asked.  He loved everyone, especially his family and his children; they were his world, and he would never want them to forget that. He will forever be loved and missed dearly.

Benjamin is survived by his wife, Valerie, their two children, Remy and Haley, his parents Jackie and Frederick Tarkenton, his siblings Ronda Leeper and Nickolas Tarkenton, their spouses, Joseph Leeper and Marie Tarkenton, along with nieces and nephews, as well as his aunt and uncle, Ann and Preston Jarrell and his best friend, Casey Frederick.

There will be no services for Benjamin as his final wish was to be cremated with a private visitation for immediate family; However, there will be a Celebration of Life gathering for family and friends held near Atlanta on a date that will be determined and passed along for those that wish to attend to share their stories of Benjamin and celebrate his life.

“We loved with a love that was more than love” “Even in the grave, all is not lost”

-Edgar Allan Poe