Obituary of Charlie Lawson Tatum

Charlie Lawson Tatum was born in a log cabin, in Possum Town, Tennessee, Wilson County on September 15, 1919 to the late Jesse Lee Tatum and Lindy Midgett Tatum. He was a charter member of Immanuel Baptist Church. Elementary schools attended were Oakland, Carson, and Springdale, grades one through eight. High Schools attended were three years DuPont High, where he boxed and wrestled. His senior year was at Mt. Juliet High School where he played football. He was a member of the Tennessee State Home Guard (4-F) and worked double shift in defense work. Charlie and Elizabeth Reed Tatum were married on February 23, 1946. They had three children: Linda (Wayne) Tatum Thompson, Charlene (Jimmy) Tatum Ballinger, and Stephen Hill Tatum. Charlie is also survived by sister: Frances Brown; grandchildren: Johnny (Tresa) Ballinger, Christy Cook, Brian (Mary) Thompson, Justin Tatum, and Brooke Tatum; great-grandchildren: Brilee Thompson, Jase Thompson, Mason Ballinger, and Allen (Jennifer) Ferguson; and great-great grandchild: Colton Ballinger. He is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Elizabeth Reed Tatum, grandchild Stan Ballinger, his parents, his brothers Wes Tatum and Carl Tatum, and his sisters Lee Ozmond and Stella Bly. He worked at the Lebanon Woolen Mills for five years and the Washington Manufacturing Company (Lebanon Garment Factory) for thirty-eight years. The employees of the Lebanon Garment Factory to this day still hold a reunion every September. A family business, Tatum Camper Sales, was established and has been operating for nearly fifty years. Mr. Tatum credited many influences in his life, especially W. B. Woodall, W.L. Baker, J. Hall Grime, M.L Arbuckle, Tommy Robinson, Walter Sellars, and Donnie Hamilton. His philosophy in life was to greet everyone with a "Holy Hug and Smile". The family will be accepting friends at Sellars Funeral Home on Saturday from 2-8 p.m. The Funeral Service, conducted by Brother John Hunn and Brother Danny Sellars, is 2 p.m. Sunday, November 16, 2014 at Immanuel Baptist Church (214 Castle Heights Ave, Lebanon TN, 615.444.5563). Visitation at the church is from 1 p.m. until the service on Sunday. Interment in Wilson County Memorial following the service. Pallbearers: Brian Thompson, Johnny Ballinger, Steve Tatum, Donnie Hamilton, Jerry Taylor, and Mike Gray. Honorary Pallbearers: Pete Bush and The Sunday School Class, Frankie's Restaurant Crew, Dr. Kenneth Anderson, Dr. Kathleen Kearney-Gray, PCU-UMC wing staff at McFarland. Charlie's family extends a special thank you overall to everyone involved in Charlie's care.