Individual Details

Arthur William Tait
Shreveport, LA - Mr. Arthur Tait passed away on Tuesday, February 14, 2012, at his home in Shreveport, LA. A Celebration of his life will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21, 2012, at Osborn Funeral Home. Officiating will be Dr. Pat Day of First United Methodist Church, Shreveport. A reception will follow the service at the Tiki Bar. Please wear Mardi Gras beads to celebrate Arthurs favorite holiday. He wanted to attend Mardi Gras one last time so we will bring the Mardi Gras to him!
Arthur was a native of Memphis, TN and a resident of Shreveport for 36 years. He was a graduate of Central High School in Memphis where he played baseball and football. In 1947, Arthur received the Golden Glove Award for boxing. He attended Mississippi State University where he was Captain of the football team for 3 years and Most Valuable Player in the Blue/Gray game in 1950. He played professional football for the New York Yants in 1951 which later became the Dallas Texans, playing defensive end from 1950 thru 1953. He also held the record for the most touchdown fumble recoveries in 1951.
For thirty years Arthur owned Tait Shreveport Dodge and Tait on Texas. The originator of the Auto Mall on Burt Kouns, his dealership was the first to be built there. He worked with Chrysler Corp. for forty-five plus years and was appointed to the LA Motor Vehicle Commission by Gov. Edwin Edwards and served as Chairman of the Board for 12 years with four state governors. He also served on several different boards with Chrysler Credit and was named Dealer of the Year for the state of LA.
Arthur was a man who loved life and cherished every minute he lived. He was happiest when spending time with family and friends in New Orleans. He was a man with many accomplishments in life both personal and professional. He was one of the most caring and giving persons and would have given the coat off of his back if needed. He had become very close to the Lord and we know now we have an Angel in Heaven showing them how to party. We love you and you will be missed.
Arthur was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Hale Tait and James Minor Tait, Sr.; brother, James Minor Tait, Jr.; and granddaughter, Jennifer Giles. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Jane; two daughters, Debbie Prakop and husband, Tom and Diane Tait; two sons, Jon Winkler and Stan Winkler and wife, Jane; six grandchildren, Stephanie Candler, Allison Tannell, Erik Prakop, Ben Prakop, Sean Winkler and Noelle Winkler; six great-grandchildren, Jordan Giles, Jackson Candler, Bryce Prakop, Payton Prakop, Sierra Prakop and Dylan Prakop; and sister, Marijean Canfield.
The family suggests that memorials be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Willis-Knighton Pierremont for their loving care given to Arthur and to the many loving friends that Arthur loved and enjoyed over the many years. As Arthur would say "Thank you very much."
Published in Shreveport Times from Feb. 18 to Feb. 20, 2012

Birth	9 Feb 1929	Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee
Census-shared	8 Apr 1930	(Annie Eliza Boswell) Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee
Census (family)-shared	12 Apr 1940	(James Minor Tait Sr. and Mary Hale) Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee
Marriage	1978	Living
Residence	3 May 2006	Wilmington, Delaware
Death	14 Feb 2012	Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana

Spouse	Living
Child	Living
Child	Living
Child	Living

Spouse	Peggy Joy Massengill (1929 - )
Child	Living

Father	James Minor Tait Sr. (1902 - 1986)
Mother	Mary Hale (1891 - 1985)
Sibling	James Minor Tait Jr. (1926 - 2010)
Sibling	Marijean Tait (1933 - )

Notes