Graveside services for Mr. Billy Ray Tatum, age 79, of Tatum, TX, will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011, at Tatum Cemetery with Bro. Trey Robertson officiating under the direction of Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Mr. Tatum passed away on Thursday night, Dec. 15, 2011, at his home in Tatum.

Billy Ray Tatum was born on Feb. 29, 1932, in Tatum, TX to Raymond Alton and Willie Clyde Stowe Tatum. He graduated from Tatum High School with the class of 1951. Mr. Tatum served his country proudly in the U.S. Navy during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, retiring in 1971, after 20 years of service. After his discharge from the service, he moved back to Tatum where he worked as a dump truck driver for Rusk County for many years until his retirement.

Mr. Tatum is survived by four sons, Robert James "Bobby" Tatum and wife Elizabeth of Tatum, William Ray "Billy" Tatum and Patricia of Tatum, Daniel Lee Tatum of Tatum, and David Wayne Tatum and wife Ronne' of New London; one daughter, Shirley Ann Tatum of Tatum; one brother, Gene Tatum of Tatum; 10 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

If desired, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, 470 S. Hill St., Tatum, TX 75691.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.