John Arlandis Talley

On March 23rd, after a courageous six year battle against cancer, John Arlandis Talley finally left this world and is now pain free. John/Arlandis stood 6’ 7” and was often called, “Big John”, “Big Bad John”, and “Tall Man”. His family called him Arlandis and his friends knew him by John. He always greeted people with a big smile and a hearty chuckle.

Funeral service will be held at 1 pm on Friday, March 29, 2019 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 7th Ave., Rock Island.  Visitation will be one hour prior to service.  Burial will be at National Cemetery, Rock Island.  Memorials may be made to the family. 

Many people in the Quad Cities knew John as a competitive pool player who loved the game in all its forms. He played with numerous pool leagues, and was respected by the toughest players. John has worked in the Quad Cities as an insurance agent, security for K-Mart, the President and Isle of Capri, and greeter at Sam’s Club.

Among his favorite things, was his immense love for food – especially fried chicken. It could be said that he “never met a chicken he didn’t like”. He and his brothers were known to drive to Peoria just to get some Church’s Chicken before one was opened in the QC. Whether it came from a comic book, novel, newspaper, bible or his interest in psychiatry, John/Arlandis loved reading and learning new things. He enjoyed family reunions and get-togethers where he would play Bid Whist and Dominoes with his friends and family. During the Viet Nam conflict, John/Arlandis served in the Navy for two years and later returned to the Quad Cities.

John Arlandis Talley was born the eldest son of 10 children to John Henry (Buster) Talley Jr., and Lois Young. He was known and loved as a “larger than life big brother” by his siblings while towering over them. They sought his opinion and advice on everything from making a bank-shot on the pool table, to in-depth conversations and discussions on the human psyche and God. John/Arlandis loved listening to music. Until the day he took his final sleep, being a Rhythm and Blues man, he listened to his favorite R&B hits entertaining visitors and staff at the nursing home.

John/Arlandis leaves behind his long-time companion, Donna Addleman, Rock Island, Mother Lois Talley-Johnson, Aperian Care Nursing Home; Brothers: Lawrence E. and (Douglas) Stephon Talley, Rock Island, (Raymond) Anthony, Moline. Sisters: Felisita M. Weatherall (Richard), Milwaukee, WI; Lenora A. Talley, Houston, TX; Judith A Ndubisi, Minneapolis, MN. His family included numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephew.

Those preceding John/Arlandis in death:

Father John Henry (Buster) Talley, Jr.; Grandfathers John Henry Talley Sr, and E.L. Harnett. Grandmothers Samella Harnett, and Inez Talley; Sisters: Peggy L. Pemberton and Helen J. Minter; Brother: Samuel L. Talley Uncles: J. B. Shockley, Roland McCarroll, Frank Roddy, Ed Young, Melvin Young, Mr. Parker Aunts: Ottie Johnson, Beatric Shockley, Helen McCarroll, Elsie Young. 

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