Talmadge Clifton DuVall

Tal DuVall passed away on August 30, 2017 after a brief illness. He was born in Greensboro, Georgia on July 26, 1933. Tal grew up on a family dairy farm in Greene County. He attended the University of Georgia where he received three degrees - BS in Dairy Science; MS in Extension Education; PhD in Public Administration. He served in the US Army from 1954-1956. He had a long and distinguished career with the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, beginning as a County Agent in 1957 and retiring as the Director of the Cooperative Extension Service and Associate Dean for the College of Agriculture in 1988. He served as President of the Georgia Agribusiness Council from 1988-1989. Tal was then a County Commissioner for the unified Athens-Clarke County government from 1991-1996.

Tal always managed to make time for civic responsibilities. He served on the Board of Directors for numerous organizations including the Athens Boys Club, the Salvation Army, Chairman of the Northeast Georgia United Way, Chairman of Athens-Clarke County Economic Development Authority, member of the Classic Civic Center Authority, Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, Athens-Clarke County Crime Stoppers, Chairman and Advisory Board for UGA Baptist Student Center, Tutor for Athens Regional Library Adult Literacy Program, Athens Rotary Club, Athens Regional Medical Center Development Council and Heartland Retirement Community. His church, First Baptist Church of Athens, held a special place in his heart as well. He was a member and former Chairman of the Board of Deacons, a life-long Sunday School Teacher, and Chair of two Pastoral Search Committees.

Tal's awards and honors are too numerous to mention them all, but some particularly rewarding honors include being chosen to be a member of the United States Agricultural Education Delegation to People's Republic of China in 1980; being the Georgia Adult Educator of the Year in 1980; Distinguished Service Award, National Association of 4-H Agents in 1987; Man of the Year in Georgia Agriculture by Progressive Farmer in 1988; Athens Regional Medical Center J.W. Fanning Humanitarian Award and being inducted into the Georgia Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2010. He was scheduled to be recognized as a recipient of the 2017 Graduate School Alumni of Distinction Award on October 19, 2017.

Tal was an avid runner and later walker for most of his entire life. He was a master fryer with his specialties being fried chicken and fried okra. He always had a freezer full of boiled peanuts. He enjoyed working in the yard and was a master landscaper. He lived for UGA football Saturdays and tailgating. Later in life, he enjoyed traveling with his wife, Carole, and spending annual summer vacations with his children and grandchildren for over 25 years at Pawley's Island, South Carolina.

Tal was preceded in death by his father and mother, Albert and Alma DuVall and his sister, Jane Walton.

He is survived by his wife, Carole, the love of his life for 59 years; son, Mike DuVall and daughter-in-law, Tara DuVall of Buford, Georgia; daughter, Lori Rosemond and son-in-law, Kevin Rosemond of Durham, North Carolina; grandchildren, Caroleann DuVall, Charlie Rosemond, Anna Rosemond, Sarah DuVall and Abby DuVall; his brothers, Melvin DuVall and Lewis DuVall and numerous nieces and nephews.

Tal lived life to its fullest and will be greatly missed. He has left a footprint on this earth that will be remembered and cherished indefinitely by those who knew and loved him.

Due to his home church, First Baptist Church of Athens, currently undergoing a sanctuary renovation, the Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, September 3, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Methodist Church in Athens, Georgia. A family visitation will be at the church in the Wesley Parlor following the Memorial Service.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory to the First Baptist Church of Athens, Georgia.

Online condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com.

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.