As I was finishing up my work on Monday night for the latest edition of Hugh's News that I had hoped would be sent out by Mail Chimp at 3 a. m. on Tuesday, December 21 (which was not delivered), I received a call from a dear friend in Birmingham, Harold Kelley. He and his wife, Marie, of some of the best friends we have ever had. Harold was an ideal member of our church board as a deacon, superintendent of our Sunday school, and led worship for us in our Friday night Bible Bible study in the home of Jerry and Dell Waid in Hoover near where the Galleria is located.
The sad news is that Tommy Tatum, 72, originally from Evergreen, AL, the husband of Rhetta Pate Tatum, died Monday morning, December 20, 2010, of a massive heart attack.
Tommy and Rhetta were present for the recent Homecoming at Emmanuel College in October of this year. Melvine and I were privileged to talk with them and reminsce about old times. Rhetta's father, the Rev. Mr. Vernon V. Pate, was the conference superintendent in the Alabama Conference for many years. His wife, Ruby, was one of the most beautiful women of her day. She was a wonderful singer and sang in a ladies trio. I knew Tommy's parents when I pastored the Brownville P. H. Church in Conecuh County near Evergreen. I have fished many times in the pond near their home on US Highway 31. The Tatums were good people who loved the Lord.
Harold Kelley informed me that the viewing will be Tuesday evening, December 21, from 5-7 p. m. at John's-Ridouts Funeral Home Chapel, 9012 Parkway East, Birmingham, AL, 35206.
The funeral will be on Wednesday, December 22, 2010, at 11 a. m., at the East Lake United Methodist Church.
The burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery.
[Editor's note: It is because of people like Harold Kelley that I can report fast-breaking news stories that are important to you. Many of you will remember Rhetta Pate when she was a student at Emmanuel College, and some may know her husband, Tommy. They were supporters of Emmanuel as well as committed Christians and loyal members of their church.
Melvine and I are saddened by this news, and we send our love, prayers and condolences to Rhetta and her family in this time of grief.]
Posted on
Tue, December 21, 2010
by Hugh Morgan