He was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Noel Carroll Tatum, his son, David Tatum, and his sister, Beverly Gale. After graduation from the Virginia Military Institute in 1956, he and Noel married. He then joined the Air Force and served this country honorably for 30 years, including a tour in Vietnam, while helping Noel to raise their four children and travelling the world. After military retirement, he logged over 7300 pilot hours as both an instructor and evaluator with single, multi-engine and commercial ratings and became a member of the Quiet Birdmen. He shared his love of flying with students, family and friends and flew supplies in after Hurricane Katrina along with other volunteer services. He was also an avid golfer and enjoyed playing and watching all sports. It was important to him in later years to reunite with high school classmates in Stockbridge, MA, his class at VMI, and his three siblings.
Walter is survived by his two brothers, Harry (Sarah) and Roger (Linda); three children: Walter III (Paulette); Mary C. Jenkins (John); and Grace DeLaughter (Thomas); four grandchildren: Rodney Jenkins (Dody), Chris Brenner (Sarah), Madeline Tetlow (Joe), and Brooke Manning; five great grandchildren: Eden Jenkins, Aiden Holzer, Gracie Ann Brenner, Dylan Studebaker, and Colby Costa; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, Nov. 4th at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church: 4311 West San Miguel St; Tampa, FL; 33629. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Mary’s, or to LifePath Hospice: 12470 Telecom Dr. Ste. 400; Temple Terrace, FL; 33637.
