PHONE: (972) 562-2601 Charles Thomas Tatum, Sr. October 8, 1942 - June 27, 2021 Col. Charles (Chuck) Thomas Tatum, Sr. (USAF Ret.), loving husband and father, passed away June 27, 2021, in Allen, Texas at the age of 78. He was born on October 8, 1942, to Frank Perry Tatum, Sr., and Alma E. (Raper) Tatum in Liberty, Texas. Chuck graduated from Anahuac High School in Anahuac, Texas, and received his bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, later followed by his master’s degree from Troy State University in Montgomery, Alabama. On October 29, 1966, he married Carole Camille Tatum. He joined the Air Force after college and spent the next 27 years serving his country as a navigator, pilot, and in multiple leadership positions, throughout the United States and overseas. Chuck was a veteran of both the Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf War when he left the Air Force in 1992 with the rank of Colonel. After the Air Force, he became an instructor for Air Force pilots at Altus A.F.B., Oklahoma, before retiring in 2009 to College Station, Texas. He was known for his hard work and determination, yet also a sense of humor that could bring a room to laughter. Chuck had a passion for cars, bulldogs, and a love of football and baseball. He was a lifelong fan of the Dallas Cowboys and later in life became a devoted fan of Texas A&M. Chuck is survived by his wife, Carole Tatum; sons, Randall Craig Tatum, Charles Thomas Tatum, Jr., William Richardson Tatum, and Jefferson Perry Tatum; daughter, Judith Carole Newcomb; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Alma Tatum, and his brothers, Frank Perry Tatum, Jr., and Robert Dale Tatum. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at Turrentine Jackson Morrow Funeral Home in Allen, Texas. The service will also be live streamed at TJMfuneral.com on Chuck’s obituary page by clicking the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/charles-thomas-tatum-sr. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location. The family will receive friends during a visitation on Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A burial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, July 15, 2021, at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas. Memorials Our sincere condolences. Chuck was a great friend, excellent commander, and superb leader. He showed many of us how to manage our duties and still have fun. A good friend, he will be missed by us all. BOB & MARTI GIBSON, JULY 5, 2021 Charles and I were high school classmates and football teammates. He could make us laugh in even difficult situations. I was honored to be in his and Carole's wedding. Chuck, you would have made a great Aggie! Paul Rice PAUL RICE , JULY 5, 2021 I was so sorry to hear about the death of your father. I believe my Daddy was waiting to greet him when he arrived in Heaven and they have been reunited in the cockpit, flying high, once again. CATHERINE ULMET, JULY 1, 2021 Chuck was a good friend for several years and one of the nicest persons I have ever known...always smiling and just a happy guy...he was one of a kind. I will miss him... ARLENE JALBERT, JULY 1, 2021 Family Owned Since 1945 Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow is the premier provider of funeral services in North Texas, with seven convenient locations and three beautiful memorial parks. We are a locally owned family business that has served North Texas for over 70 years. Families who visit us receive the highest quality of professionalism and service, with compassion and care that are unsurpassed. Copyright 2015 (972) 562-2601.