Charles Michael \u201cMike\u201d Tatum, 80, passed away on April 12, 2026. He was born on March 26, 1946, in Nashville, Tennessee, to the late James Black Tatum and Evelyn Anderson Tatum.<\/p>\n
Mike grew up on Sinking Creek in Perry County, where he learned the value of hard work at an early age. He attended the Warren School and graduated with the Class of 1964. He often talked about farming with his dad, starting when he was just 12 years old\u2014something that stayed with him his entire life.<\/p>\n
After high school, Mike played baseball for two years at Freed-Hardeman College, which was a junior college at the time. He later transferred to Bethel College, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. He later earned his Master\u2019s Degree in Education from Austin Peay State University in 1975.<\/p>\n
Mike spent his life in education. He began teaching in Perry County when it was still possible to step into the classroom before being fully licensed. He later moved to the Lewis County School System, where he spent most of his career. Over 5 decades, he served in many roles\u2014teacher, bus driver, principal, and for 29 years, Athletic Director. He was also proud to serve on the TSSAA Legislative Council for many years.<\/p>\n
He was a faithful member of the Lomax Church of Christ, where he was a regular and devoted participant in worship, living out his faith in his daily life.<\/p>\n
He was a man who could do just about anything. Mike loved to build and took great pride in constructing the home he and his wife lived in, doing most of the work himself from the foundation to the roof. He was a skilled handyman who could handle concrete, plumbing, and electrical work, even holding an electrician\u2019s license. He also enjoyed gardening and being outdoors. He was a big University of Tennessee fan and loved supporting the Lewis County Panthers.<\/p>\n
More than anything, Mike was known for being there for people. If someone needed help, he didn\u2019t hesitate\u2014he was there. But his favorite role in life was being \u201cPopPop.\u201d He loved his grandchildren dearly and would do anything, even dress up, just to make them smile.<\/p>\n
He is survived by his wife, Lisa Tatum; his son, Phillip Tatum of Linden; his sons, Elliot Hamm (Jessica) of Red Boiling Springs, TN, Kyle Hamm (Jeanie), and Colby Hamm (Lauren), both of Hohenwald; and his ten grandchildren, Lily, Bella, Kamri, Klara, Dallas, Brinley, Paisley, Braylon, Ellie, and Madi. He is also survived by his aunt, Martha (Billy) Edwards, and a cousin who was like a brother, Bill Marbet.<\/p>\n
Visitation with the family will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 10:00 AM. until the funeral service at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow in the Graves Cemetery, Linden, TN.<\/p>\n
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Lomax Church of Christ Day School. Donations can be made through McDonald Funeral Home or by mailing checks to 320 Darbytown Rd, Hohenwald, TN 38462.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Charles Michael \u201cMike\u201d Tatum, 80, passed away on April 12, 2026. He was born on March 26, 1946, in Nashville, Tennessee, to the late James Black Tatum and Evelyn Anderson Tatum. Mike grew up on Sinking Creek in Perry County, where he learned the value of hard work at an early age. He attended the Warren School and graduated with…<\/p>\n