Jack Tatum

Rocky Mount -

Jack Herman Tatum, 80, took up residence in his glorious eternal home on Sunday, December 27, 2020. Jack graduated to Heaven after a valiant eight-week battle against the coronavirus; he won the victory of complete healing when his Father called him home at 2:45 a.m.

Jack was born May 14, 1940, in Moultrie, Georgia to Lucine Frazier and Herman Walter Tatum. He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his younger brother Bobby Tatum and nephew Brad Tatum. Jack’s sisters, Doris Hill and Betty Pittman, also preceded him in death.

He spent his life career in the textile industry. Twenty years of that career were centered at the Rocky Mount plant of TexFi Industries.

Jack graduated from his beloved Clemson in 1964 and was a true diehard Tigers fan. He also loved golfing and working in the vineyard of a friend. He loved helping people and was an inspiration to so many. He loved being with his family, and working outdoors. His number one priority was taking care of “Mema” and defending her, even if she was wrong.

Jack leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of 35 years Willa Jean Andrews Tatum of the home; his daughters:  Vicki Tatum (Robb Rosol) of Charleston, SC and Jan Faithful (Lee Williams) of Rocky Mount; his sons: Sam Tatum (Elke) of Wilton, CT; Thomas Tatum (Rebecca Marquette) of Alexandria, VA; and Mitchell Tatum (Erika) of Austin, TX. Jack is also survived by his grandchildren:  Tolli Rosol, Tatum Eason (Brian), Dustin Faithful, Fahlon Brown (John-Paul), Chase Tatum (Lianna), Emma Tatum, Samantha Tatum, William Tatum, Rachel Tatum, James Tatum, Andrew Tatum, Stella Tatum, Charlotte Tatum, and 3 great-grandchildren: Ella Walker Eason, Nash Brown and Ann-Elizabeth Brown as well as some special nieces and nephews: Joey Hill, Ronnie Hill, Debbie Bruckoff, Kim Taylor and Scott Tatum.  Many other relatives and countless friends including his church families at both Parkwood and NorthSide, his Sunday School class and his choir friends will miss this Christian brother, teacher and friend.

“He was a great father, husband, grandfather, great grandfather, Clemson graduate, friend and Christian. He was a natural leader and motivator.”  “You taught us so much—compassion, positivity, hard work, and love—your legacy will live on in your children and grandchildren…This earth is a better place having had you in it…”

Jack “fought a good fight…he finished his course…he kept the faith…a crown of righteousness was laid up for him by the Lord, the righteous judge…”  (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Jack was a person of great faith and lived his life by others seeing Jesus in him. His last word as he left this life was “Jesus, the precious name of Jesus.”  We believe he saw Jesus and was welcomed into Heaven with outstretched arms. 

A service to celebrate Jack’s life will be held on Sunday, January 3, 2021, at Parkwood Baptist Church (1731 Hunter Hill Road) where Jack and his wife Jean first met and where they were married in 1985. The service will be held at 2:00 p.m., officiated by the Reverend Mark Pridgen.

Please wear a protective mask at all times and follow all other CDC protective measures if you plan to attend the service. Also, if you are feeling in any way unwell, please show your love and respect for Jack and his family by attending the service at home on Facebook Live via Davis-Little Funerals Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack’s name to the NorthSide Community Church, 1660 Beaver Pond Road, Rocky Mount, N.C. 27804.

The family appreciates the excellent care by Davis-Little Funerals.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jack Tatum, please visit our floral store.