Jesse Dale Tagert

Jesse Dale Tagert, 76, of Pearl, Mississippi, passed away August 17, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. The visitation and service will be Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at the Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, Mississippi. Visitation will be from 12:00pm until 2:00pm and the service will be at 2:00pm. Burial will follow at Crestview Memorial Gardens with military honors at graveside. Rev. David Allen and Rev. Jeff Ingram will officiate.

Born on May 11, 1949, in Brandon, Jesse was the son of J.C. Tagert and Ruby Westbrook Tagert. He lived a life marked by service, craftsmanship, and unwavering devotion to family and country. Jesse was baptized at East Side Baptist Church in 1965. He married the love of his life, Linda Kay Tagert, on June 4, 1968. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, where he was a combat veteran of the Vietnam War. From 1968 to 1969, he served with the 1st Marine Division, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, and later with the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune until 1974. On 2 September 1968, Jesse sustained combat injuries in Vietnam and was awarded a Purple Heart. He went on to earn numerous other awards and commendations for his service. His deep sense of patriotism remained a part of his identity throughout his life.

After his military service, Jesse built a respected career in the construction industry, working over four decades before retiring as Superintendent for R.G. Hopton Construction Inc. He was a skilled craftsman who could repair nearly anything, and his work was a testament to his pride in a job well done. Jesse was an avid outdoorsman who found peace and joy in nature. Though he once loved the thrill of the hunt, in his later years he preferred simply watching the woods and wildlife. He was generous, kind, and always ready to lend a hand. Not once did he fail to help someone in need.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Linda Kay Tagert; his children, Mike Tagert (Mary Love) of Starkville; Wes Tagert (Michelle) of Pearl; and Mark Tagert of Brandon. He was a loving grandfather to his seven grandchildren: Francie, Harlan, Wilkes, Henry, Anna, Mattie, and Macie Tagert. He also leaves behind one great-grandson, J.R. Hamilton of Dallas, Texas. All of the grandchildren affectionately knew him as “Pop.”

Jesse is also survived by his siblings, Shirley Cook Long of Florence and Robert Tagert of Richland, along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Katherine Jones (Walter) and Betty Talbert (William) of Florence and Steve Tagert of Jackson.

Serving as pallbearers are Jonathon Bland, Brian Kittrell, Donald Mangum, James Mangum, Donald Smith, and Harlan Tagert. Honorary pallbearers include Wayne Bland, James Summerall, Billy Joe Tagert, and Bobby Westbrook. Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or the Disabled American Veterans organization—two causes close to Jesse’s heart.