Clyde Tatum

Clyde Lee Tatum, age 83, a lifelong resident of  Morton, passed away Monday evening  August 24, 2020.

A celebration of life  will be held at 1pm Saturday, August 29, 2020 at East Morton Baptist Church.  Visitation will begin at 11am until 12:30 pm.  Bro. Curtis Roland and Bro. Reggie Williams will officiate.  Services will conclude at the church. Final resting place will at the Hodge Hill Cemetery.

Clyde was born in Scott County on Sunday, July 11, 1937 to his parents Clyde Tatum and Vashti Lyle Tatum during the days of the FDR presidency.  He was reared in the Harperville community.  He met and married Thelma Harvey in 1957.  They made their home in the Morton area. He was a charter member of East Morton Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as a Deacon, and Sunday School Director as well as served  in numerous ministries.  He worked for Tatum Cleaners and later Talon Inc. for 20 years.  After his retirement from Talon, Inc. he began a career with the Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society where he enjoyed a very successful and fulfilling career over a 40 year span, consistently maintaining membership in the President’s Club and Cabinet. Clyde set and broke sales records nationally. He chartered  and built  the Woodmen Lodge in Morton, working Youth Camps, served on the Board of Directors of the South MS. Youth Camp Association.  He was a member of the Morton Volunteer Fire Dept. from 1965 to 1980. He also formed the Scott County Auxillary Deputy Association under Sheriff Pete Wall’s administration. His love for people and making the community a better place was always on his mind. His work ethic was incredible.  He often quoted “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Phil. 4:13) What Clyde enjoyed most was helping people, and lending a helping hand to anyone in need.  In addition to spending time with his family, especially his grandsons.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting gardening and loved everything about the outdoors including his love for his dogs, cattle and feeding birds (doves) in his back yard.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Daree Harrell, and brother, Dale Tatum.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Thelma Tatum, son Reggie Tatum (Vickie) of Forest, daughter, Lori Goldman (Jeff) of Pelahatchie.  He also leaves behind a legacy of 4 grandsons, Jon A. Tatum  (Breanna) of Benton, AR.  Christopher Tatum of Ridgeland, Ethan Watkins (Carlie)  of Pelahatchie and Ty Watkins also of Pelahatchie,  a great grandson, Landen Pelkey and a great-granddaughter, Charlotte Anne Tatum, both  of Benton, AR.  Several nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to East Morton Baptist Church  P.O. Box  554  Morton, MS 39117.

Services provided by  Ott & Lee Funeral Home of Morton.

Telephone: (601) 732-6571