Max Hugh Tatum

A visitation for Max will be held Tuesday, January 16, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Eternal Hills Funeral Home, 3594 Stone Mountain Highway, Snellville, GA 30039. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, January 17, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 3594 Stone Mountain Highway, Snellville, GA 30039. A committal service will occur Wednesday, January 17, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM, 3594 Stone Mountain Highway, Snellville, GA 30039.

Max Hugh Tatum was born on April 21, 1938 to Rev. Earl Howard and Ruby Ann Tatum in Juno, Georgia. He and his brother Roger were raised in McCaysville, Georgia as the sons of a copper miner/preacher and school teacher. He and Roger had many mischievous adventures growing up together from playing in Fightingtown Creek with their friends to building and remodeling cars. Cars were a lifelong passion for Max. While in the army, he took his car completely apart, just for fun. Once it was down to just nuts and bolts, he put it back together.

This love of cars led him to work for Fisher body, building cars for a time. In 1970, he went to work for Southern Bell as a lineman and over his 31 years of service he worked his way up into engineering. Through many company transitions and company names (BellSouth and AT&T) he remained a dedicated employee, friend to many, and mentor for “those new Georgia Tech grads.”

His faith in God, from a young age, was the center of his life. He faithfully served in many roles in his church throughout his lifetime. From running the soundboard, to a Stephens Ministry caregiver, to greeting visitors with a warm smile and a head nod. He was a dedicated servant always willing to lend a hand.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Dorothy (Dot) Tatum. They met at a difficult time in his early life due to illness, but her love and care helped restore him back to health. This love and care continued throughout his life. Their marriage through many decades of joys and challenges are a source of inspiration to those around them.

He is survived by his two loving daughters, Kim Tatum and April Ledford (Michael). They both inherited his wit and sense of humor and will miss him greatly. He is survived by his four loving grandchildren Austin Ragsdale (Mary Grace), Tatum Kiley (Steven), Ellie Ledford, and Miles Ledford. His grandchildren were his pride and joy and a constant source of amusement. They loved their Papa, Papa Max, Poppers..and he loved them.

Max passed on January 12, 2024. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. We know he is no longer in pain and take comfort in where our hope comes from—our relationship with Jesus. He is our comfort and strength and an ever present help.