Ralph Andrew Tatum, Jr.

Ralph Andrew Tatum, Jr., of the Oakman Community, Joined the Heavenly community on November 15, 2024, surrounded by loving family, devoted caregivers, and good friends. Ralph was born on April 15, 1927, to Ralph and Annie Hardy Tatum, and was married almost 75 years to the love of his life, Betty Ann Willis who survives. He is survived as well by children, Susan Hughes and her husband Bill, Michael Tatum, and Cathy Barnes and her husband Don Frankforther; grandsons, Isaac and Paul Hughes, Sarah Walker and her husband Spencer, and Emma Ledford and her husband Grant; one great-granddaughter, Lillian Ledford. His siblings preceded him in death, Syble Reece and Jordan Tatum as well as two siblings who died very young. Many beloved nieces and nephews survive.

Ralph was a Veteran, serving in the U.S. Army from July 1945 to June 1947. He then joined the U.S. Navy in January 1948 and served until June 1950. He worked at Lockheed-Martin in Marietta from 1953 until his retirement in 1987. In retirement, he farmed and raised cattle. He was a faithful member of Fairview Church of God and was known as a good friend with a generous heart.

A visitation will be held at Fairview Church of God on Taylortown Raod in Oakman on Wednesday, November 20 before the funeral from 12:00 to 1:45 PM. Ralph's funeral will follow at 2:00 PM at the church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Thomas Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for the services of Ralph Andrew Tatum, Jr.