Clark Memorial Funeral Service

William K. Tatum

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Official Obituary of

William K. Tatum

May 29, 2014

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William Tatum Obituary

With deepest regret, we announce the passing of Deacon William K. Tatum, age 74, a resident of 910 Chestnut Street, Roanoke, Randolph County, Alabama 36274. Mr. Tatum transitioned from this life on Thursday, May 29, 2014 at his residence, 910 Chestnut Street, Roanoke, Randolph County, Alabama 36274.

Public viewing and visitation hours for Mr. Tatum will be observed on Sunday afternoon, June 1, 2014, here at the funeral home between the hours of 12:00 noon and 6:00 PM.

Funeral services will be observed on Monday morning, June 2, 2014, at 11:00 O'Clock AM from the Wehadkee Baptist Church, 1216 County Road 310, Roanoke, Alabama 36274; The Reverend Elijah Jackson, Jr., Pastor, Officiating. Other ministers sharing the roster will include: Reverend Ronnie J. Jones, Reverend Claude Bell, and Reverend L.B. Houston. Burial will follow in the adjoining church cemetery.

Honorary Pall Bearers: American Legion Post #53,
Deacons of Southwestern Union District Association, and Men of The Southwestern Union District Association

Active Pall Bearers: United States Armed Forces Honor Guard, Fort Rucker, Alabama

Flower Attendants: Missionary Society of Wehadkee Baptist Church, Women's Auxiliary Of The Southwestern Union District Association, and Friends Of The Family

For updated obituary information, please contact Clark Memorial Funeral Service at 334.863.4885.

THE OBITUARY
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
(II Timothy 4:7)

William K. Tatum, was born in Randolph County, Alabama on January 15, 1940, to the parentage of the late Jim Tatum and Cora Mae Heard. He received his education at Randolph County Training School, Roanoke, Alabama, where he graduated with the Class of 1958.

At an early age, he accepted Christ and joined the Wehadkee Missionary Baptist Church in Roanoke, where he faithfully fulfilled his calling to serve this present age. William served Christ and his church as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Secretary, and Treasurer at Wehadkee. He also served on the district level in the Southwestern Union District Association as Auditor, and the Congress of Christian Education as treasurer.

Knowing the immense cost of freedom, William served his country with distinction and honor as a decorated Army veteran serving for over 24 years. William’s military career carried him many places and in every assignment he made positive and lasting contributions to the soldiers entrusted into his care… from being drafted and his subsequent enlistment at Fort Ord, California; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Riley, Kansas; The Old Guard; Fort Myers, Virginia; Korea; Vietnam; Drill Sergeant/Senior Drill Sergeant, Fort Polk, Louisiana; Senior Instructor, Marion Military Institute; Senior Instructor ROTC, University of Alabama; First Sergeant Berlin, Germany.

After his retirement from military service, William connected with American Legion Post 53, where he mentored other veterans by sharing his story. After retirement, William remained active -- moving, touching, impacting lives through devoted service in and around his church, community and family.

On November 28, 1970, he was united in marriage with Ms. Mary Sue Watson.

William was equal parts serious and gregarious. He was military stern but jovial and engaging to all. His integrity, leadership, strength, determination and humor will be greatly missed. His service to his community, men and country is greatly appreciated.

He departed this life on May 29, 2014 at his residence. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim Tatum, Samuel and Cora Bell; brother, Samuel Bell, Jr.; and sister, Linda Gail Bell. He leaves to cherish many memories, a loving wife of 44 years, Mary Sue; one brother, Jimmy Lee Tatum (Carolyn) of Williamsburg, Virginia; one brother-in-law, Reverend Myris L. Bell (Antonia) of Roanoke; two sisters-in-law, Daphne Alexander of Columbus, Georgia and Gloria Powell of Detroit, Michigan; and a host of nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and friends.

For updated obituary information, please contact Clark Memorial Funeral Service at 334.863.4885 or visit www.clarkmemorial.biz.

Updated information available at www.clarkmemorial.biz

Acknowledgments

Special thanks are expressed to The Reverend Elijah Jackson, Jr. for his continuous concern and deep compassion displayed during William’s illness. Special appreciation is extended to Moderator W.A. Dean and the Southwestern Union District for their overwhelming display of affection for William’s well-being. Continued thanks to the many doctors and nurses and caregivers who offered sympathetic and compassionate care. A heartfelt thanks to all who have been a tower of strength and support to this family.

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