Mr. James Harrison Tatum, Jr

Mr. James Harrison Tatum, Jr., age 90 of Critz, passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at Memorial Hospital of Martinsville and Henry County. He was born in the Stella community on October 18, 1918 to the late James Harrison Tatum and Florence "Dee" Brown Tatum. In addition to his parents, Mr. Tatum was preceded in death by three sisters, Florence Brown Tatum Moore, Lois Virginia Tatum and Susan Tatum Turner. After graduating from Hardin Reynolds Memorial School, he farmed and worked at a tobacco warehouse in Martinsville prior to joining the United States Army. While in the Army, he served in North Africa and Italy during World War II. After serving in the Army, he returned home to Critz where he farmed tobacco. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and most sports, especially playing baseball with the Critz Baseball Club. He was a member of Critz Baptist Church and American Legion Post #105.
Mr. Tatum is survived by a sister, Willie Tatum Martin of Bassett, nephews Walter Moore, Jr. of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, George "Buddy" Turner of Collinsville, James "Jimmy" Martin of Penhook, Joseph "Joey" Martin of Bassett; two nieces, Susan Moore Martin of Chesapeake and Anne Moore Harman of Floyd, plus a number of great nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Mr. Tatum will be held Saturday, March 7, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Moody Funeral Home in Stuart with Pastors Fred Gilley and John T. Fulcher, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in the Critz Baptist Church Cemetery with military rites by the Patrick County Veterans Memorial Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday at Moody Funeral Home in Stuart. Memorials may be made to Patrick Henry Volunteer Fire Department, 3125 County Line Road, Patrick Springs, Virginia 24133 or to the Critz Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 99, Critz, Virginia 24082. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.