Lewis Tatum

Lewis Clayton Tatum Sr., 82 years old, of Elizabethtown passed away peacefully on Friday, September 21, 2018 at home surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents: Danny W. Tatum and Mae B. Tatum and five brothers: Norman Tatum, Rex Tatum, Donald Tatum, Bobby Tatum, and Jerry Tatum. Lewis is survived by his loving wife: Yvonne S. Tatum, his children: Clayton and Debra Tatum of Elizabethtown; Johnny and LaVonda Tatum also of Elizabethtown and Ricky Tatum of Raleigh; grandchildren: Crystal and Michael Radford of Apex; Marcia and Jake Clark of Elizabethtown; Johnathan and Dianna Tatum of Elizabethtown; Jessica and Aaron Guyton of Leland; Erin and Mark Merritt of Harrells; Jamie and Ashley Tatum of Wilmington; Matthew and Michele Tatum, also of Elizabethtown; great grandchildren: Tatum Singletary, Tanner Singletary, Sophia Jacome-Singletary and husband Victor; Kylie Radford, Peyton Tatum, Owen Radford, Maverick Merritt, Layla Guyton, Avery Tatum, Hudson Tatum, Cooper Clark, Oliver Radford, Seth Guyton, Hadley Tatum, Harris Tatum, and Weston Tatum; brother: Larry Tatum of Elizabethtown; four sisters: Elizabeth Brennan of Elizabethtown, Anne Long of Baltimore, Deborah Jernigan and husband Thomas of Lumberton, Jennifer Deming and husband Ron of Fayetteville and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Lewis grew up on Sweet Home Church Road in Bladen County. He married the love of his life, Yvonne Smith in 1954. Lewis loved his family very much especially those grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with them. Lewis worked at Bladen Tire until he established his own business Tatum Insulation. While working to establish the business, he also farmed for many years. He was very active in his community as well. Lewis served as a Mason, Shriner, and one of the longest running county commissioners for 26 years. He served on other various committees and as a deacon of his church, Elizabethtown Baptist. Lewis loved to talk politics and was always ready to listen and assist his fellow citizens any way he could.

The family will receive friends on Monday, September 24, 2018 from 6-8 pm at Bladen Gaskins Funeral Home in Elizabethtown. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at 3:00 pm at Elizabethtown Baptist Church. A private family burial will take place before the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Shriners Hospitals for Children Headquarters 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive Tampa, FL 33607.