William Lee Tatum

William Lee Tatum, age 72 of Cartersville, GA passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, to join his Heavenly Father on Monday, February 9, 2026. Born December 26, 1953, in Cartersville, Georgia, he was the son of the late William Olin Tatum and the late Mattie Leah Wilson Tatum. William is preceded in death by his parents Olin and Mattie Leah Tatum; his sister Joyce Cox; and his brother-in-law Dean Cox.

William leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 34 years Karen Tatum; son, Calen (Jessica) Casey; grandchildren, Tate Casey, Cora Casey; sisters, Nancy (Charles) Law, Brenda Bearden; sisters-in-law, Patricia Snider, Tonia Watters and several nieces and nephews.

William very much enjoyed watching sports, and especially was a dedicated Atlanta Braves fan. William loved taking photos, and was always up for a good conversation or lunch date with his grandson, Tate. Among his simple joys were a good cup of coffee and a glass bottled Diet Coke. A true animal lover, William had a special place in his heart for many pets over the years.

William was a loving husband, a beloved father, and a treasured Pepaw. He took great pride in his family and especially held dear the time spent with his grandchildren. William was a brother and a friend who will be lovingly remembered for his kind heart and generous spirit.

William attended Mercer University, where he earned his degree in pharmacy, and afterward dedicated his professional life to serving others as a pharmacist for 46 years. William was the owner of Young Brothers Pharmacy until his retirement in 2024, a role he took great pride in. William genuinely loved his patients and the relationships he built within the Downtown Cartersville community. To him, his pharmacy was more than a place of work, and he loved to serve and give back to the town he called home.

A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 14, 2026 in the chapel of Owen Funeral Home with Rev. Tony Ramirez officiating. The interment will follow at Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be dear friends John Davidson, Jerry Jackson, Michael Yrabedra, Charles Law, Mickey Thacker, Dr. Brandon Watters. Honorary pallbearers include family and friends who preceded him in death Carter Davis, Billy Bearden, and Mark Lipscomb. The family will receive friends on Saturday, from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in memory of William to Friendship Baptist Church.

Please visit www.owenfunerals.com to leave online condolences for the family.