Billy Jackson Tarte

Billy was the eldest of five children born to Collier and Smithie Brown Tarte. Upon his graduation from Cerro Gordo High School, he enlisted in the Navy where he held the rank of Aviation Machinist Mate 3. He was Honorably Discharged on October 20, 1947.

Following his discharge from the Navy, Billy moved to Mullins, South Carolina where he met and fell in love with his beautiful wife Lois. Shortly after their marriage, the couple moved to Newport News, Virginia, where they became the proud parents of two daughters, Suzy and Cindy. In December 1963, the family moved to Columbia, South Carolina, where they remained for 30 years. In 1992 Bill and Lois made their forever home at Lake Murray, where they remained until their deaths.

Billy worked at Wilbur Smith and Associates as a Chief Accountant until he retired in December 1989. He was initially a member of Suber Marshall United Methodist Church in Columbia and later of Beulah United Methodist Church in Gilbert.

Billy was an avid hunter and fisherman, and spent many countless days doing both. He also loved to take his granddaughter, and then his great granddaughter on trips around the neighborhood on his golf cart. Aside from hunting and fishing, his love was music. He played the bass fiddle and guitar in the Navy band. He also played the ukulele. He also played the bass fiddle in a Jazz Band in Columbia and the surrounding area and even had a standing gig every Saturday night at the Palmetto Club in Downtown Columbia. He taught himself how to play the organ and would play for hours, even giving concerts to people who would come to his house for a visit. In addition, he played the organ for Beulah’s Food, Fun, and Fellowship to entertain the seniors, many who were younger than he was.

Billy is survived by his daughters, Suzy Collins and Cindy Grace, as-well-as his granddaughter, Brandi Gagliardi (Jon) and great granddaughter, Arabella, who was his reason to live in his last years. He adored her. In addition, he has many nieces, nephews, and friends who he loved.

He was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Lois as well as his parents; brothers Philip Tart and Jimmy Tarte; his sisters Mabel Green and Dean Woodward; and his nephew Philip Tarte, Jr.

Visitation will be Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 2-3 PM at Dunbar Funeral Home on Devine Street, Columbia, SC, followed by the funeral service at 3:00 PM. Entombment will be at Greenlawn Memorial Mausoleum.