John May Tatum

1954 - 2025

John May Tatum

June 21, 1954 - February 5, 2025

Beaufort, South Carolina - John May Tatum III, 70, of Beaufort, SC, passed away peacefully on Feb. 5, 2025, surrounded by family.

Born on June 21, 1954, in Ft. Bragg, NC, he was the son of Col. John M. Tatum Jr. and Mary Risher Tatum of Bamberg, SC.

John's life was marked by dedication to his family, his career, and his passions. His life could be encapsulated by Micah 6:8: "What does the Lord require of you but to love kindness, do justice, and walk humbly with my lord." He graduated from Davidson College in 1976, before serving two years in the United States Army. Following his service, he earned his law degree from the University of South Carolina. Following graduation, he served as a law clerk for U.S. Appellate Court Judge Robert F. Chapman. He moved to Beaufort in 1982, where he practiced law with Harvey and Battey until his retirement in 2019.

A man of deep interests, John had a lifelong love of music, a passion that started in childhood when he would spend his 50-cent allowance each week on records. His extensive album and CD collection reflected his appreciation for great music of varied genres across generations. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, finding great joy being at the beach especially at Fripp Island on the golf course, or just sitting on his back deck at home watching birds or just enjoying time with family and friends.

He especially loved and enjoyed his grandchildren, taking great pride and interest in their activities and accomplishments and enjoying such weekly adventures as taking them to the Dollar Tree. Watching his grandson, Jack, play sports was one of his greatest pleasures. And he absolutely treasured a recent school project done by his granddaughter, May, who interviewed and wrote about him, noting that one important lesson she learned from him was integrity.

Even from a young age, John felt a strong sense of responsibility. At age 14, he served as a page for U.S. Sen. Strom Thurmond, living away from home, in Washington D.C. a testament to his independence and dedication. Throughout his life, he served as a role model, inspiration, and leader to his siblings, often taking on leadership roles in family matters, and always handling these with great wisdom and grace, ready and effusive good will, and great humor. He was big brother and best friend to his sisters, Sara and Susan, and his brother, Jimmy, filling the years with laughter and love.

Above all, John cherished his family. He adored his wife, Mary Laney Tatum, whom he married in 1980, and was a loving father to his son, John May Tatum IV, and daughter, Christine Dargan Tatum. He was a proud and doting grandfather to John Craig and May Weaver Tatum, who brought him immense joy.

John is survived by his wife, Mary, son, John May Tatum IV (Jenny-Gray), daughter, Christine Dargan Tatum; sisters Sara Jane Pottenger (Dave) and Susan Connor Tatum; brother, James Risher Tatum (Holly); grandchildren John Craig and May Weaver Tatum; brothers-in-law Eddie Laney (Josephine), Roy Laney (Caroline); sisters in law Lib Laney Peebles (Billy) and Georgia Studnicka (Ben); and numerous cousins and friends, all of whom will greatly miss him.

Burial will be at South End Cemetery, Bamberg SC, at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Bududa Learning Center (bududa.org), First Presbyterian Church, 410 Church Street, Beaufort SC, 29902, or NAMI of the Lowcountry, 5 Promenade Street, Suite 1321, Bluffton, SC, 29910.