W.L. Tatum

W.L. Tatum, 90, of Dawsonville passed away Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at his residence surrounded by his loving family following a period of declining health. 

Born November 1, 1933 to the late E.L. and Ina Tatum, he was a lifelong resident of Dawson County.  W.L. was a 1951 graduate of Dawson County High School and currently the oldest member of McKee’s Chapel Methodist Church.  He was pioneer in the development of the poultry industry in Georgia.  His career began as a 4-H Project in high school and grew to have customers in over 50 countries.  Tatum Farms won the Presidential E Award for excellence in export and the E Star award for its international export of poultry, hatching eggs, and breeding stock.  W.L. was a U.S. Army veteran, 60 year member of Etowah Lodge #222 F&AM, and also served as a Shriner.  He was a beloved husband, daddy, and affectionately known as “Papa” by his grandchildren and many who knew and loved him.  He was preceded in death by his brother, Hayne Tatum and sister, Verline Sellers.

Surviving are his wife of 68 years, Ruby Nell Tatum of Dawsonville; son and daughter-in-law, Rickey and Tammy Tatum of Dawsonville; daughter and son-in-law, Angela and Jeff McClure of Ellijay; grandchildren, Toby and Staci Tatum, Isom and Haley McClure, Anna McClure; special caregiver, Donna Holcomb; other relatives.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 2 p.m. at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel.  Rev. Phil DeMore and Pastor Mike Borchert will officiate.  Interment will follow at McKee’s Chapel Methodist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday June 7 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and on Saturday from 12 noon until the hour of service.

Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.