William Hugh “Bill” Tatum, III, 65

June 6, 1961 – August 13, 2026

William Hugh Tatum III, known best and loved by many as Bill, departed this earthly life on Thursday evening, August 13, 2026, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Funeral services celebrating and remembering Bill’s life will be held at 1 PM Monday, August 17, 2026, in the Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 11 AM and continuing until the time of service. Dear friends Bro. Doc Shelton and Dr. Patrick Chapman will officiate. Burial will follow the chapel service at Lowry Church Cemetery.

Born June 6, 1961, in Ripley, Mississippi, Bill was the son of the late William “Buck” Tatum, Jr., and the late Carolyn Key Duncan and Bobby Duncan. He was a graduate of Ripley High School and went on to build a life and career around his many skills and trades. From working in the log woods to farming, Bill was best known for his years as a car salesman, owning Tatum’s Used Cars and later retiring from Chuck Hutton. No matter where he worked or who he met, Bill had a way of making friends and leaving a lasting impression.

A man who would give you the shirt off his back, Bill found joy in the simple things in life. He loved riding horses, going to the beach, and spending time boating and camping, especially at Pickwick, where so many cherished memories were made with family and friends. Above all, his family was a huge part of his life, and he treasured being Papaw Bill to his beloved grandchildren.

Bill was never a man concerned with fine earthly desires. He was simply happy with what he had and grateful for the life he was given. He was generous, well loved, and a friend to all. His joyful spirit, easygoing nature, and ability to make people laugh will be deeply missed. His family finds comfort in knowing that he is now free from all earthly pain and rejoicing in his heavenly home.

Those left to cherish Bill’s memory include his four daughters, Ashley Wallace (Bruce), Kassi Ivy (Alex), Anna Chapman (Whit), and Cede Tatum (Dylen); his grandchildren, Adalyn Mathis, Jon Reese Bryant, Amelia Butler, Willa Butler, Ellasyn Ivy, Tatum Ivy, and Liam Ivy; and his brother, Joe Tatum, along with loving aunts, Kathy Shappley and Peggy Childers, and other aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and many friends.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his son, Jon Wallace.

Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memoires with Bill’s family.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

~

Visitation

Monday
August 17, 2026
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral

~

Funeral Service

Monday
August 17, 2026
1:00 PM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral