Nathan "Hunk" Tapley

Nathan “Hunk” Tapley, Jr., 84, of Gordon, WV passed away peacefully Tuesday night, December 16, 2014. His family and pastor were there to “escort him to the gates” and relieved that he took the first deep breath he’s had in years in Heaven.

Hunk is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 60 years, Myrna “Joyce” (Mitchell) Tapley; and their three children, Gaye Bias and husband Jerry of Danville, Mary Bradshaw of Huntington and Nathan Tapley, III and wife Elaine of Red House. He is also survived by his sister, Bessie Neminski and husband Ed of Greensburg.

Hunk enjoyed being surrounded by his grandchildren, Chris (Paula) Bias, Jeremy (Jena) Bias, Clay Bradshaw, Patrick Bradshaw, Maggie Bradshaw, Molly Sibold, Emma Tapley, Rowe Tapley, Ross Tapley and Elina Tapley. He also has a slew of adoring great-grandchildren; Olivia, Lilly and Gavin Bias, Griffin and Isabella Bias, Tyler Bradshaw, William Nathan Butcher and Jameson and new brother Finn Sibold. He was uncle, brother-in- law and friend to many.

Prior to his passing, Hunk was preceded by his father and mother, Nathan Sr. and Elizabeth Ross Tapley, his brother, Willard “Wig” Tapley and his sisters, Thelma Soulsby, baby Elva, Gladys Ramsey, Esther Vicich, and recently Judie Hall.

Serving on the aircraft carrier USS Siboney,Hunk was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy from 1950 -1954. A member of the UMWA, he provided for his family by working 38 years in the coal mines, until his retirement. As a business owner his family owned the Li’l Huskeys and Nate’s Pizza in Van. He was a founding member of the Van Pee-Wee Midget Football league, where he served as president for years. A long standing member of Gordon Union Church, Hunk was currently a member of the Madison United Methodist Church.

Born and raised in Gordon, Hunk enjoyed living in the house he helped his dad build. He loved a good joke, a good chew, a good cup of coffee, and a good WVU football or basketball game. Although a snappy dresser, he was just as content to cut grass on his John Deere or paint a house. He was a faithful husband, dad and papa. Without a doubt he was known as a generous giver.

Friends and family may celebrate his life and memory 2 p.m. Friday, December 19, 2014 at Handley Funeral Home, Danville, WV with Jerry Bias and Rev. Rick Swearengin officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Gardens, Madison,WV.

Friends may call from 12:30 to service time on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, generous donations will be accepted to the Madison UMC Youth Program.