JAMES HAROLD TATUM, age 84, died Sunday, June 28, 2009, at 12:15 p.m. at his residence in Anniston.

He was born January 29, 1925 in the Deventer Community of Mississippi County to the
late Morgan and Mae Sams Tatum. He had lived in Anniston most of his life where he had worked in farming until his retirement. He had been a member of the Gravel Ridge Baptist Church, and after it closed began attending the Victory Baptist Church in East Prairie.
He was a US Army veteran of WW II.

In 1941 he married Della Boyer who preceded him in death on February 19, 2005.

Surviving are three daughters, Barbara Rice of Bertrand, Donna Housman of Anniston, and Joyce Manker of Benton; one brother, Charles "Pep" Tatum of East Prairie; 21 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren, and many great great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one daughter, Ruth Kerr; two sons, Harold Tatum and John Frank "Johnny" Norville, four brothers, and two sisters.

Friends may call after 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2009, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston until the funeral hour at 1:00 p.m. Rev. Steve Johnson, pastor of the Victory Baptist Church in East Prairie will officiate.

Missouri Military Honor Guard will conduct graveside rites at the Anniston Cemetery.
Interment will follow under the direction of McMikle Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Sandra Williams, Mark Owens, Jay Manker, Randy Shands, John Ray, and Jason Douglas.