Kaye Kiser Tacker

Kaye Kiser Tacker will be remembered not only for her community service, but for her many jokes, contagious laugh, beautiful smile, and her raspy Southern accent, with just the right volume to reach even the hardest of hearing. Her larger than life personality shined onstage for 30 years as she played “Artie Mae” with the McNairy County Production of Hee-Haw. She will be greatly missed but her legacy will never be forgotten.

Kaye was born on November 14, 1941 and passed away peacefully on May 14, 2017 at her home. Born in Selmer, TN, she was the daughter of the late Eart Kiser and Ocie Sweat Kiser. Being raised in a family of eleven children, Kaye learned how to work hard, be responsible, love the Lord, and take care of her family.

On November 15, 1962, the day after Kaye turned 21, she married the love of her life, David Wayne Tacker. Their love for each other was like none other, both unwavering and genuine. They were married for 53 years until his death on October 23, 2016. She was a beloved mother to two sons, Monty Lee and Joe David. Kaye’s boys meant the world to her. She loved them unconditionally and would have done anything for them.

Kaye was a wonderful wife, mother, and a friend to everyone. Her home was always an active one where anyone and everyone felt welcomed. Kaye’s heart for helping others and making people laugh was a gift she shared with everyone. She was a member of Good Hope Baptist Church, Order of the Eastern Star, and very involved with happenings at the Purdy Community Center. She was also an avid “Rook” player and up for a game at any time. It was never a surprise to see Kaye and David riding around town in their red 36 Ford convertible. They frequently took it to car shows and Christmas parades.

Even though Kaye never had any grandchildren of her own, there are two people that she was proud to claim and call “grandson” and “granddaughter.” Evan and Amelia Lamberth were very special to Kaye and she loved them beyond words.

Survived by her two sons, Monty Lee Tacker and Joe David Tacker, both of Selmer, TN; three sisters: Wilma Dunaway of Lawton, TN, Syble Pearson of Corinth, MS, and Shirley Derryberry and husband Terry of Ramer, TN; and a brother, Larry Wayne Kiser of Selmer, TN. In addition to her two biological children, Michael Moore and Jamie Wilson spent the majority of their childhood with Kaye.

In addition to her husband and parents, Kaye was predeceased by her sisters: Nellie Wolfe, Virginia Barnes, Dorothy King, and Mable McClain; and brothers, Roy Kiser and John Kiser.