Matthew “Russell” Tarpy was born at The Plains, Virginia, the only son of Minnie S. Tarpy and Matthew J. Tarpy on August 12, 1933.  After he graduated from Marshall High School in June 1953, Russell entered the US Army and was trained as an Army Medic at the Medical Replacement Training Center located at Fort Pickett, Blackstone, Virginia.  Upon completion of his medical training in January 1954, Russell was assigned to the Second Armored Division in Dexhime, Germany and subsequently to the Second Armored Calvary Regiment in Bamburg, Germany.  Upon completing his two year service with the Technician School in Baltimore, Maryland he later worked as a radar electronic technician for the company in the radar facility near Baltimore-Washington Airport.  He later worked as an electronics technician for the Winchester TV Cable Company. 

         Russell is survived by his wife of 57 years, Betty Willey Tarpy of Winchester, a sister, Joan T. Best of Washington D.C. and her daughter and son-in-law, Christie B. and Michael Neuman of Bethesda, Maryland, sister, Minnie T. Bates of Charles City, Virginia and her four sons, Frederick L., Douglas E., Russell F., and John E. Bates, of Morattico, Goochland, Providence Forge and Richmond, Virginia.

         Russell was the former owner of Matt’s Studio of Winchester and worked as a professional photographer for more than 30 years.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Winchester where he attended the E. T. Clark Men’s Bible Study Class.  He is a past member of the Winchester Kiwanis Club and a member of the Winchester Moose Lodge 1283.

         The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2:00-4:00 PM at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel.

         A graveside service will be conducted on Monday at 1:00 PM at Mount Hebron Cemetery, Winchester, Virginia.

         A funeral service will be conducted on Monday at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church with Reverend George Fletcher officiating. Reception to follow in the Youth Center.

         Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1833 Plaza Drive, Winchester, Virginia, 22601 or First Baptist Church, 205 West Piccadilly Street, Winchester, Virginia, 22601.