Buck Tatum, Jr.

 On December 20, 2018 William Hugh Tatum, Jr. passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family.
  Funeral Services honoring the life of "Buck, Jr." were held at 3 PM Saturday December 22 in The Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home with his pastor, Bro. Jeremy Huey officiating. Personal Reflections were given by long time friend, Tony Farese. Burial followed at Pleasant Hill Cemetery near Falkner overlooking the rolling pastures Buck loved.
  Born March 28, 1942 in Tippah County, Buck was the son of the late William Hugh and Ella Hall Tatum. He was a graduate of Ripley High School and continued his education at Northeast Mississippi Community College.
  Buck, Jr. and Gay, whom he called "Gay Baby" was the love of his life. They were married for 32 years and together, they enjoyed their children, grandchildren, family and many friends.
  Buck, Jr. loved the Lord and was an active member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. He encouraged the youth to follow the Bible and keep God first in their lives. Buck, Jr. visited the sick, helped those in need and always shared a kind word.
  Buck, Jr. loved to work and care for the land. He was a cattle farmer, loved horses and could NOT fix equipment--but he tried. "Gay Baby" had always been the best cook, but Buck always took credit for the Banana Pudding. He liked a good pair of boots and the fact his wedding ring would not come off his finger.
  William Hugh Tatum, Jr. answered to many names, Buck, Buck, Jr., Brother, Daddy, Buckee, Son and "Hey Tatum'". He was loyal, the first one to be called in time of trouble and the first one to laugh at himself. Buck was humble and referred to himself as blessed by the Good Lord. Buck's constant companion was his little dog, "Otis".
  We will miss the true Southern gentleman who always opened the doors for others and always tipped his hat to the ladies.
  In addition to his wife, Gay, he is survived by his sons, Bill Tatum, Joe Tatum, Walt Warren (Tammy) and Jim Warren (Melinda) all of Ripley, Zac Haynie of Nashville, TN, two sisters, Peggy Childers (Woodie) and Kathy Shappley, both of Ripley, two brothers in law, Don Steen of Corinth and Neal Steen of Key Largo, FL, grandchildren, Joanna, Darrell, Zyla, Zeke, Kassi, Anna, Cede, Colin, Reid, Peyton, Luke, Jake, Matt, Jon, Mychol and Caroline, two great grandchildren, Brooks and Emry and his lifetime friends that were closer than brothers, Ronnie Childs (Jane), Harry Richardson (Lana) and Bud Coley.
  He was also preceded in death by a brother, Danny Tatum and a brother in law, Roy Shappley.
  The family request that memorials be directed to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in memory of Buck Tatum, Jr, 2631 CR 200, Ripley, MS 38663
  Bless all of you for your friendship, kindness and love extended to the Tatum family through the years.

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