David F. Tatum
David F. Tatum was a large presence. A Marine at heart, his grit and determination stayed with him at all times and with all things. Along with that, he was always kind, with a loving nature behind his words and actions. Stubborn in his ways, he always lived hand in hand with his beliefs with the handshake of a gentle giant. He was a storyteller eager to share memories of time, truly the son of his mother, the great teacher, Polly Tatum. Hard work was embedded in him as something he enjoyed his entire life in all things. He was a competitive Weight lifter, Football player with the Champion USMC Red Hill Gang Team, Boxer, and even champion Arm Wrester. He kept older trophies of many feats tucked away and dust covered in a closet. Those moments were important to him, but he always remained steadfast in what was important to him now. Later in life his joy was largely derived in caring for his cherished Dogs. A love he held his whole life with different Dogs, always pure and true. A love he shared with his Son and family through Butch, and then a love he held eternally with his closest companion Max. In his youth he raced around in Mustangs, and later as a Father he would spin SUVs, doing donuts on ice in the wilderness as his Son held on. His joy in all things tucked behind a grin of satisfaction. Long drives through winding country roads in the mountains as the sun set were his favorite way to pass the time. He truly loved the Virginia countryside and never tired of travelling through it. He would stop at Mabry Mill nearly every time he passed it, each visit treated as special.
He is survived by his Son, Nick Tatum; as well as Nick’s mother, Leslie; his Brother, Hylton Tatum and his wife Debbie Tatum and their children Kellie and Ross Tatum. Among them a long list of Friends and Neighbors, all of us knowing the large space he held in our hearts. His impact and legacy are forever embedded in our memories of him, his stories, and his wit that would bring about smiles and laughter in unexpected ways. His Charm and his Soul, too stubborn to leave our hearts.
A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 1:00pm at SW Virginia Veteran's Cemetery, 5550 Bagging Plant Road, Dublin, VA 24084. If you are planning on attending please arrive to the cemetery at 12:45pm.
