William J Tatum was a caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He left this world suddenly on December 11, 2021, at the age of 84. Everyone knew him as Bill. He was known by many and loved by all. He was one of the great ones and will be missed.

He was born to CJ and Pearl Tatum on March 28, 1937. After leaving high school, Bill joined the Army at 16 and served for 20 years, including 2 tours in Vietnam. During his time in service, he was awarded two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars, and a Meritorious Service Medal, along with numerous other awards and decorations including two combat service badges and paratrooper wings.

He married to Celia Johnson Tatum on April 13, 1974. Bill loved spending time outdoors and working with his hands, helping others and family. Neighbors would often ask for his help, and he was always there to give it. He was skilled at almost everything, and there was nothing he would not try. He loved hunting and fishing, to be a part of and witness the beauty of nature.

He was preceded in death by son Roger Tatum and daughter in law Marlene Tatum of Tazewell, Virginia, and granddaughter Jennifer Wimmer of Fort Meyers, Florida.

He is survived by is wife Celia Johnson Tatum; daughter Penny Wimmer of Ravenna, Ohio and by grandchildren Chadwick McFarland and wife Megan McFarland of Bluefield, West Virginia, Jessica Wimmer of Rootstown, Ohio, and Eric Tatum of Ravenna, Ohio. He is survived by great grandchildren McKenzie, McKayla, Airiana, AJ, Jackson, Lennox, and Rhylee.

He is survived by daughter Pamela Flanigan and son in law Randal Flanigan of Pocahontas, grandchildren Victoria Tarver, Kyle Goleman, and Verandah Flanigan, Tanya and Husband Chris Smith, Joseph Flanigan and great grandchildren Hanna, Ally, Ryan, Ana, Atley, Garrett, Kacey, Katelyn, Korinna Donovan, Hailey, Sydney, and Joseph Jr.

He is survived by son Franklin Mark Coffman and daughter in law Dawn Coffman of Pocahontas, Arkansas, grandchildren Brook Bernhardt and husband Michael Bernhardt, Franklin J. Coffman, and wife Sheilsa Coffman, Charles Andy Coffman and wife April Coffman, and great grandchildren Isabella, Gabriel, Maria, Charlie, Sohpia, Benjamin, Asher, and Penelope. He was preceded in death by his first great-grandson, Franklin Scott Coffman.

His is survived by son John D Coffman and wife Patsy of Bono, Arkansas, grandchildren Trey, Kaitlyn, Chase, Brittany, and Sterling, and great grandchildren Sadie, Clara, Chloe, Carly, Evert, and Levi.