Willie Howard Tatum transitioned on March 25, 2026, at Alta Bates Summit Hospital in Oakland, California.
Funeral services will be held April 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements are entrusted to McNary Williams Jackson Funeral and Cremations, 1901 Harrison Street, Suite 1100, Oakland, CA 94612, and Hester Central State Funeral Home, 811 Louise Ann Avenue, Monroe, LA 71202.
Repast will follow in the Fellowship Hall at First Missionary Baptist Church, 507 Swayze Street, Monroe, LA 71201, where Rev. Tegitra K. Thomas serves as pastor.
Brother Willie Howard Tatum was born July 4, 1960, in Richwood, Louisiana, to the late Mr. Joe J. Tatum and Mrs. Mariah Perry Tatum. He was the youngest of ten children.
He accepted Jesus Christ at an early age at Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Willie L. Brannon.
Willie graduated from Richwood High School in Richwood, Louisiana, and later attended Delta Vocational School, where he majored in auto body work. He later relocated to Oakland, California, where three of his brothers also resided.
Willie was known as a kind, loving “people person,” reflecting the values instilled by his parents and grandparents.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Clemontee Tatum of Monroe, Louisiana; and three brothers, Curtis Lee Tatum of Stockton, California, Joe Davis “J.D.” Tatum of Oakland, California, and Ray Oliver Tatum of Monroe, Louisiana.
He leaves to cherish his memory a devoted and compassionate daughter, Rekita Paul; one grandson, Will; three sisters, Maxine M. Tatum, Sharalean Tatum Temple (George) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Carolyn Tatum Kelly of Fayetteville, North Carolina; two sisters-in-law, Mary Jones Tatum of Monroe, Louisiana, and Dolores D. Tatum of Stockton, California; two brothers, Morris Leroy Tatum of Oakland, California, and Melvin Tatum Sr. (Gloria) of Monroe, Louisiana; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
