Taffie Mallard., Jr. Obituary

Taffie James "TJ" Mallard Jr., age 79, of South Bend, Indiana, peacefully rode his horse on the highway to heaven at 5:07 am at memorial hospital on May 28, 2026. Surrounded by the love of family and embraced by the grace of God, he traveled the highway to Heaven, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, strength, and unconditional love.

On August 7, 1965, Taffie united in holy matrimony with the love of his life, Deborah Mallard. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and community, sharing over six decades of love, devotion, and partnership.

Taffie was a hardworking and dedicated family man who spent his life serving others. Throughout his career, he worked with the South Bend Parks Police Department, served proudly with the Sheriff's Posse, and worked as a security officer for the South Bend Community School Corporation. He was also the founder of Teen Enterprise, "My Ranch", the food pantry designed to provide guidance, structure, and positive opportunities for young people in the community. Through these efforts, countless lives were impacted by his wisdom, compassion, and commitment to helping others succeed.

A devoted servant of God, Taffie was a faithful member of Sweet Home Ministries, where he served the Lord with humility, dedication, and love. His faith was the foundation of his life, and he led by example through service, kindness, and generosity.

Taffie had a deep love for horses, community service, and family gatherings. Whether spending time at the lake, enjoying bowling nights, sharing stories, or simply being surrounded by loved ones, his greatest joy came from bringing people together. No stranger remained a stranger for long in Taffie's presence, and his home and heart were always open to others.

He leaves to cherish his precious memory his beloved life partner, Deborah Mallard; his five children, Rhonda Brown of Fort Worth, Texas, Raymond (Robin) Mallard of South Bend, Indiana, Richard (Greta) Mallard of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Randy (Tanya) Mallard of South Bend, Indiana, and Shalanda Mallard Joliet, Illinois.

He is also survived by two sisters, Margaret Edwards and Malinda Mallard, both of South Bend, Indiana; one brother, William Harris of Lafayette, Indiana; 35 grandchildren; 74 great-grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, bonus children, and dear friends whose lives he touched throughout the years.

Taffie was preceded in death by his parents, Taffie H. and Francis Mallard; 3 children, Tabberly, Eric, and Nicole; 3 siblings, JoAnn Gryuczynski, Calvin and Donald Mallard. 

Taffie will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, his dedication to family, his service to the community, his love for God, and the countless lives he influenced through his kindness and generosity.

Though his earthly journey has ended, his legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of whom he encountered.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew