Dr. Joseph Caldwell Tatum

Joseph Caldwell Tatum passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, November 13, 2016. He was born in Charlotte N.C. in 1934 but spent his early years in Columbia, SC. There, he graduated from Dreher High School and then went on to the University of South Carolina where he was a member of ATO fraternity.

He went on to Emory University School of Medicine where he was President of AKK Medical Fraternity. He completed his medical degree in 1959, a residency in surgery at Emory in 1963, and a residency in orthopedic surgery at Emory in 1967.

He then served in the Navy as a Lieutenant in the Medical Corps. When he returned, he began his long-time medical practice at DeKalb General Hospital in Decatur, GA. He was a member of The American College of Surgeons as well as the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. He was President of the Atlanta Orthopedic Society in 1977. He was a long-time member of the Decatur Rotary and Druid Hills Golf Club where he was a formidable ALTA tennis player.

In addition to his busy practice, Joe had many hobbies including watching his beloved Atlanta Falcons; flying his own plane, racing cars, fixing any type of engine and woodworking. There was nothing he couldn't fix however, he often substituted function over form.

He traveled extensively, going with groups of friends snow skiing in Colorado, and on numerous bicycle and wine trips throughout Europe.

However, he most loved the Cayman Islands where he was an avid scuba diver and enjoyed many happy hours vacationing with family and friends. A voracious reader with a sharp intellect, Joe was the undisputed trivia champion of the family. It was well known that if Joe was on your team, you were sure to be the winner.

Surviving are his loving wife of 40 years, Kathy McKee Tatum; daughter, Cindy Adams, from Athens, GA; son, Joey and his wife, Emily, from Athens, GA; Vince Tatum from Blue Mountain Beach, FL, and Megan Tatum Beach and her husband, Jim, of Atlanta. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Alexis and Analise Adams, Ginger and Neely Tatum, and William and Tatum Beach.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the caregivers Lucy Ombimah, Michelle Broadwater, and brother-in-law, Tom Smith, for their kindness and support.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 16, at 2:00 pm at A.S. Turner and Sons. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society or Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

Feel free to leave the family your condolences via the guestbook provided.



Funeral Home:
A. S. Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033