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RICHARD TATUM Obituary
He is survived by his wife, Susan C. Tatum; son, Brian Dale Cooper (Julie); and daughters, Stephanie Marie Tatum and Melissa Dawn Tatum of Prince George; and grandson, Bradley Dale Cooper of Prince George. He is also survived by his brother, Robert (Bob) Owen and his wife Katie of Chester; and nephew, Mike Owen of Chesapeake.
Richard was a 1970 graduate of Prince George High School. He began working as a lineman at Prince George Electric Cooperative (formerly REA) until he entered the United States Army in 1971. After proudly serving his country in the Panama Canal Zone, he returned to work at Prince George Electric Cooperative. He began working at Fort Lee in 1976 as a High Voltage Electrician and was employed as Lead Quality Assurance Specialist until his retirement in February 2010.
Following his retirement, he was employed part time as a Warehouse Coordinator at Siemens Industry in Richmond from June 2011 until his death. Richard loved the outdoors, particularly hunting and fishing. He was a friend to all and will be remembered for his generosity and kind spirit. He was always available to help others whether it be cutting grass or making repairs. Richard will be greatly missed by not only his family but also his many friends and co-workers.
Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Richard to the American Cancer Society. The family is being served by E. Alvin Small Funeral Home and Crematory at 3935 S. Crater Road, Petersburg. Condolences may be registered at www.EAlvinSmall.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for RICHARD TATUM
Melissa Tatum
July 13, 2017
Hello my name is Melissa Tatum I am Richard Tatum youngest daughter. We made a go fund me page to help with his medical bills and his funeral cost. It would be much appreciated if any of you made a donation. Also if you can copy the link and pass it on to other websites like Facebook or just y'alls Facebook friends and get them to pass it on. Again it would be greatly appreciated by me and the whole family. Again thank you all. The link is below.
https://www.gofundme.com/richards-funeral-and-medical-bills
Gail Seay
July 11, 2017
Deepest sympathy for your loss.
Kevin Nestor
July 10, 2017
Rip was good coworker and friend. He was the first HVAC mechanic I worked with when I started at Fort Lee. I know that Hardwood Lowe and you will be laughing in heaven at all the stories that we did at work. He loved his family and being outdoors. God Bless!
Scott Denton
July 9, 2017
Richard, you were one of a kind. No matter how your day was going, you always were friendly and had a smile on your face. Enjoyed seeing you and Stef in the warehouse eating lunch together. I for one will miss you tremendously. Now, happy times are ahead.
Vicki Harwell
July 8, 2017
My husband, Joe, would want Richard's family to know how much he valued his life-long friendship with his cousin. I have heard many stories over the years about the time they spent together as children and I know that Joe felt close to him always. Richard was a good man and I am so sorry he is gone.
Tami McDole
July 8, 2017
I'm so Sorry for Your Loss. Richard was a Good Man. May He Fly with the Angels, and May God Wrap His Loving Arms around His Loved Ones!
bob colvin
July 7, 2017
sorry for your loss rip was a good friend and coworker god bless
Rhonda Thacker
July 7, 2017
Ripie was such a sweetheart. Always smiling and joking. I enjoyed everytime he came in the warehouse. My God comfort and give peace to his family
Sean Hardy
July 7, 2017
Richard was one of the best men I have known. Kind and generous and always willing to lend a helping hand, he will be greatly missed by all of us. I am proud to have known him and proud to be part of his family. "we love you and miss you"
Melissa Tatum
July 7, 2017
Hey daddy, we were all with you when you passed. I know you knew that. I love you daddy and always will. I will always miss you even though you'll be walking right beside me everyday. Again I love and miss you daddy. Can't wait to see you again. <3<3
Wayne (broke) Wilkins
July 7, 2017
Sorry about Rip. He was a good friend and I enjoyed working with him at the fort. May God bless your family.
July 6, 2017
We will always remember Richard!!! He was the best!!! We are sorry for your loss!!! God be with you, Carol and Luther Hanson
Pat and Becky Fisher
July 6, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. Richard was a such a wonderful man. A friend to all he knew and I know how much he loved his family. You all are in our prayers and words cannot describe the sorrow you are feeling. Richard was a very fortunate man for his family.
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E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory - Petersburg3935 S. Crater Road, Petersburg, VA 23805
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