Orson Delmar Tartt

As a young boy he was raised by his loving grandparents Sumter and Loucinda Tartt in Bessemer, AL. Orson’s grandparents made a big impact on his life and would inspire him to one day become a wonderful ‘Pa’ himself. Orson was also loved and cared for by his mother and step-father Ruby and Lloyd Henderson, Sr. who helped him as he moved from growing up in the deep south to living in the metropolis of Cleveland, Ohio.

As a young man, Orson joined the Army and fought in the Vietnam War. After his brave service, he returned to Cleveland and began working as a police officer for East Cleveland Police Department before beginning his studies at Central State University. He then took a temporary leave from school to begin a new position at Fisher Body General Motors in Cleveland.

In 1978 he married his wonderful wife, Barbara Ann, with whom he would enjoy nearly 45 years of marriage. In 1981 Orson and Barbara moved to Pittsburgh, PA where they raised their 4 children: Melissa, Allison, Matthew and Alan.

Orson worked hard in Pittsburgh—first at General Motors and then for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He would also often travel back and forth to Cleveland on the weekends to work at his family’s record shop, Doll’s Rapid Creations. One of the other ways he supported his family was driving taxicabs back and forth from the Pittsburgh Airport. He made good friends among the other cab drivers, most of whom remained close to him until his passing.

When Orson wasn’t working, he was taking courses at Carlow College to finish his BA in Accounting. In his downtime, you could have found him watching football, tending his vegetable garden, coaching Alan’s sporting events, and volunteering with the Macedonia Church Prison Ministry.

After putting his children through college, Orson retired from 20 years working for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He and Barbara then relocated to Atlanta to be closer to their children, who were the lights of their lives. In 2016 Orson became a grandfather, and being Quinn’s ‘Pa’ became one of his most treasured titles. He called and texted his precious granddaughter nearly every day to let her know how much he loved her. As she grew, he loved watching Jeopardy with her and helping her with her school lessons—most recently teaching her fractions.

While in Atlanta, Orson developed a deeper understanding of what it means to be a Christian. He sought to love and honor Jesus more and more with his life. He read through the entire Bible multiple times and enjoyed studying the Bible with Bible Study Fellowship. One way to honor him would be to join a local bible study at https://www.bsfinternational.org/.

Orson will be remembered for his love and sacrifices for his family, however the most important part of his life was his trusting in ‘The Good Lord’, Jesus Christ. On March 22, 2023 Orson’s Heavenly Father called him home. He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Sumter & Loucinda Tartt, parents: Ruby and Lloyd Henderson, Sr., siblings: Lloyd Henderson, Jr., Lorentha Morah, and Douglas O’Neal, sisters-in-love: Vernita Camp and Audrey Grant. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Ann, his children: Melissa, Allison, Matthew, and Alan and granddaughter, Quinn. Orson is also survived by two brothers: Sumter Tartt and Kermit Henderson, three sisters: Lucille O’Neal, Brenda Mack and Nancy O’Neal, parents-in-love: Harrison & Mable Billups, a brother and sister-in-love, Ramsey & Yvette Billups and numerous beloved uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.