Robert Larry "Bobby" Tatum, of Memphis, Tennessee, and Taylor, Mississippi, passed away on September 26, 2026.

Bobby was born in Memphis, Tennessee, the oldest son of Forest Eugene Tatum and Marjorie Elaine Murry, and was raised in Germantown, Tennessee. From an early age, he had a larger-than-life presence, especially on the football field. A gifted and powerful player, Bobby was a force to be reckoned with in his younger years and was even offered a full football scholarship. His love for the sport remained throughout his life, and he was an especially devoted Ole Miss fan.

To know Bobby was to know that you were cared for. That part of his character became especially evident when tragedy struck near his senior year with the death of his mother. Throughout his life, Bobby frequently stepped into the role of caregiver, caring for his grandparents, his father, and his brother, while also helping raise beloved nieces and nephews. Caring for others was not simply something Bobby did—it was deeply woven into who he was.

That tender heart extended to animals as well. Bobby loved all animals, but cats and dogs held a particularly special place with him. He found companionship and joy in them and had a natural kindness toward the animals fortunate enough to be part of his life.

Bobby appreciated simple pleasures. An old black-and-white Western playing on the television could easily hold his attention, and he was always ready for a trip to an antique store, though he much preferred calling it "junking." He enjoyed searching through old things, discovering unexpected treasures, and sharing the adventure with whoever happened to be along for the ride.

Bobby was also a natural storyteller. He loved to talk, and his voice had a way of drawing people into whatever tale he was telling. Whether recounting an old memory, sharing something funny, or simply carrying on a conversation, he had a gift for making people want to listen. Some of the greatest moments with Bobby were found in those ordinary conversations, surrounded by family and enjoying the company of the people he loved.

His presence is deeply missed by his remaining siblings, Deborah Tatum Carper, Richard Eugene Tatum, and Lisa Lynn Baker (Gary).

Bobby's love and influence will continue through the generations of nieces and nephews whose lives were touched by his care: Amy Carr (Doug), Amanda Boberg (Steve), Brian Carper (Dana), Heather Lowe (Brian), Micheal Lippert, Jerry Bobbitt, and Brittany Moore (Carson). He also leaves behind 17 great-nieces and nephews and one great-great-grandniece, each part of a family he loved so dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Forest Eugene Tatum and Marjorie Elaine Murry; his oldest sister, Betty Tatum Bobbitt; his brother, Ronald Tatum; his brother-in-law, Travis Carper; and his nephew, Ronnie Tatum.

Bobby will be remembered for the way he cared for others, his unforgettable stories, his love of football and Ole Miss, his affection for animals, his "junking" adventures, and the happiness he found simply being surrounded by family. His was a life marked by caring for the people around him, and the love he gave will remain evident in the many lives and generations he helped shape.

The stories will continue to be told, the memories will continue to bring smiles, and Bobby's unmistakable presence will remain a treasured part of his family for generations to come.

Memorials in Bobby's memory are requested to be made to the Browning Cemetery Fund in Taylor, Mississippi, by way of Lilly Callicut.