Obituary of William Tatum

William "Billy" Vance Tatum, age 54, died Monday, April 15, 2013 while working in New Brunswick, New Jersey, after suffering a massive stroke. Billy was born on November 3, 1958 in Gainesville, FL as one of four children of Marlene Edwards Tatum and the late Marshall Wesley Tatum.

Billy served in the US Army in Frankfurt, Germany, as the Commander's Driver. After honorable discharge, he obtained a degree in HVAC from Wake Tech. Later he worked for IBM as a Maintenance Engineer and after 13 years, started his own business, Tatum Air, which became the first heating and air business in Cary, NC. Billy later became a field representative for LUWA of Raleigh, NC, and more recently for Harris Environmental of Andover, MA.

Bill is survived by his mother Marlene of Myrtle Beach, SC; two children, daughter, Jessica "Puddin" Tatum of Knightdale, NC, and son, William "Little Billy" Vance Tatum II of Charlotte, NC; three brothers, mark (Gail) Tatum of Cary, NC, Jerry Lewis of Mobile, AL and Rick (Pat) Lewis of Sabattus, Maine. Also surviving are Lisa Tatum of Knightdale, NC, Carlos Hilton of Charlotte, NC, longtime family friend Neisha Haggard of Titusville, FL, companion Linda Koeth of Raleigh, NC; and furry friends, Serenity Ann, Bella and Briley.

Billy was an amazing, hardworking, one of a kind person with a huge heart. He was known and loved by many. We will miss his smile, and most of all his laid back but quirky personality.

Cremation was in New Jersey. Memorial services will be held at Montlawn Funeral home, 2911 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh, NC on Saturday, April 27th at 10:00 am. Associate Pastor, Della Grace Hargis will officiate. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends after the service at the home of David and Debbie Jacobs.

Arrangements are by Montlawn Funeral Home. Condolences can be made at www.montlawn.com