William Louis Tatum, formerly of Richmond, Virginia; Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Bradenton, Florida, died December 16, 2018, at the wonderful age of 95. Louis lived a
life rich with curiosity and had a brilliant mind which he filled with games, books, crossword puzzles, and his beloved chess, even playing with his grandson on the last day of his life. Known for his wicked sense of humor, Louis loved to tease his friends and family unmercifully.

Louis loved sports and played tennis until the age of 90 when he was forced to retire from his favorite outdoor activity. He was married for 69 years to Otine Baird Tatum, who predeceased him four years ago. Though grieving, Louis was determined to enjoy the remainder of his life, and moved to the Atria Senior Living where he enjoyed meeting new people and participating in the many activities. There, he very much appreciated the remarkable staff and his innumerable friends, particularly Mrs. LaRose Alman, who became a constant companion. Every evening, Louis looked forward to playing Rummikub with LaRose. Louis loved competitions and throughout his life engaged his children and grandchildren in both physical and mental activities.

Born in Richmond, Virginia, on February 5, 1923, Louis was a 1940 graduate of the old John Marshall School where he was a lieutenant in the Cadet Corps. He was disappointed that he was unable to join the Armed Services due to a profound hearing impairment since an infant. While working in management at the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company, he continued his education at the University of Richmond and the University of Virginia. He retired in 1985 with 44 years of service. He served on the Board of Stewards of Bon Air Methodist Church. Because of his hearing loss, Louis enjoyed helping other impaired individuals, volunteering for years at the Virginia Commission for the Blind.

Louis is survived by a son William Louis Tatum, Jr., and his wife Susan Middleton Tatum of Courtland, Virginia, and Corolla, North Carolina; two daughters, Sue Tatum Fidler and her husband Richard Fidler of Manteo, North Carolina, and Dale Tatum Mercer of Richmond, Virginia, and Palm Beach, Florida; two grandsons, Bryan Alan Harvey and his wife Michelle, and Erin Scott Harvey; two granddaughters,
Tinsley Randolph Mercer Mortimer and Dabney Winston Mercer. He treasured his one great-granddaughter, Lyla Maryanna Harvey.

A memorial Celebration of Life reception will be held at The Country Club of Virginia on January 5, 2019, at 1:00 PM, with a private family burial at Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond at a later date.