Billy Gene Tatum

Billy (BG) Gene Tatum, a cherished educator, devoted community leader, and beloved family man, passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Mississippi Veterans Home Tradition in Biloxi, MS. Born on January 1, 1932, in Newellton, LA, he was the proud son of William Marvin Tatum, Sr. and Mary Rozier Tatum.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Ray's Funeral Home in Cleveland, MS. Visitation will commence at 1:00 PM, followed by the service at 2:00 PM. Billy will be laid to rest at Beulah Cemetery in Beulah, MS, following the service.

A lifelong learner and passionate advocate for education, Billy graduated from Newellton High School before pursuing higher education at Delta State Teachers College, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. He furthered his studies at The University of Mississippi, obtaining a Master of Science in Combined Sciences in 1961. Throughout his esteemed teaching career, Billy imparted his knowledge and love for science to students at various institutions, including Chamberlain-Hunt Academy, Amory High School, Northwest Junior College, and notably, Delta State University, where he served as the first director of the Roy L. and Clara Belle Wiley Planetarium.

Billy's legacy extends beyond the classroom. A dedicated member of the Lions Club, he was recognized for his exemplary service, including his induction into the Mid-South Lions Club Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Lions of Mississippi Hall of Fame in 2020. His love for community service was evident through initiatives like the annual cheese sales and strawberry deliveries that brought joy to many local residents. His exemplary service extends to his time serving in the US Army as a model soldier. An ardent supporter of Ole Miss football and a talented carpenter, he left an indelible mark on his community, literally building many of its fences.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lila Nabors Tatum, and his siblings, William Marvin Tatum, Jr., James Bruce Tatum, and Ray Durwood Tatum.

Billy is survived by his four children: Sharon Tatum Gentile of Biloxi, MS; Melissa Tatum Watts of Nashville, TN; Eric Nabors Tatum of Cleveland, MS; and Arthur William Tatum of Olive Branch, MS. He also leaves behind a legacy of love in the form of eight grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial gifts be made to the Mid-South Lions Club at 930 Madison Ave., Suite 101, Memphis, TN 38103, or the Delta State Alumni Association at P.O. Box 3141 DSU, Cleveland, MS 38733.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Mississippi Veterans Nursing Home-Tradition and to Vital Care Hospice for their compassionate care.

Billy Gene Tatum will be remembered fondly for his unwavering dedication to his family, his profession, and his community. His spirit will live on in the countless lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey.

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