FUNERAL SERVICES: 11:00 am. Friday, Oct. 23rd at the Patrick Street Church of Christ.

INTERMENT: Purves Liveoak Cemetery.

VISITATION: Thursday, Oct. 22nd from 6 to 8 pm at the Funeral Home.

MEMORIALS TO:The Cherokee Home for Children.

Tommy Tatum was born to William and Maud Tatum on February 10, 1930 at the Tatum Farm in Purves, Texas. He passed away on October 20, 2015 at 85 \years of age. Tommy ws a graduate of Dublin High School and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University in 1952. As a dedicated agricultural agent, he worked for over 30 years in the extension service, serving Val Verde and Johnson Counties until his retirement. Tommy was extremely knowledgeable about the land in Texas; he was an excellent communicator, always happy to engage with the wider community through public speaking and answering questions about diverse subjects ranging from crops and trees to the raising and selling of livestock. In addition, he served as an announcer for the Del Rio Radio and shared his county agent reports through radio. Tommy received many awards for his service to the community and for sharing his extensive knowledge with both farmers and the general public. Beyond his role as county agent, Tommy was involved with 4-H and FFA; in this capacity, he coached an award-winning Rifle Tea;m, judged livestock, and led and and encouraged local youth involvement in 4-H summer camps.
Tommy married his true love, Fredabelle Tatum (Jones) on March 5, 1949, and together they had five children. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and his surviving relatives will always remember his generous heart and genuine interest in and care for those he loved. Throughout his life, Tommy was devoted to his church, serving as a n Elder in the Church of Christ in both Cleburne and Dublin. He was committed to serving God and others and was a exemplary model of service and generosity for his own children and others who came in contact with him. Those who knew Tommy commented on his kindness and his admirable drive to always do the right thing.
Tommy was preceded in death by his wife, Fredabelle, and his son, Jack. He is survived by his daughters, Vickie Tatum and her husband, Kenneth Manning, of Austin, Tx; Melissa Tatum and her husband, Bobby Durham, of Houston, Tx; Cindy Hobbs and her husband Joe Hobbs, of Columbia, Mo; his son, Bill Tatum of Dublin, Tx; eight grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren. Tommy was a positive force in the lives of so many, and he will be dearly missed by his family, friends and community.