James E. "Doc" Gatlin Jr.

James Eular “Doc” Gatlin, Jr., 93, passed away Friday, June 29, 2018, in Tyler, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on February 21, 1925 in Howland to Jim and Maude Gatlin. He was one of 7 children. Doc attended Roxton schools, graduating in 1943. Following high school, Doc was drafted into the Army and proudly served his country as a member of the 45th Infantry in World War II. He bravely fought in the Battle of the Bulge, earning a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and various medals and ribbons. After he was honorably discharged from the Army, he began a 41 year career with Texas Power & Light as a tree trimmer in Paris before transferring to Denison in 1969 as the District Superintendent, where he eventually retired in 1987.

Doc met and married Joyce Dean Walker of Deport on August 3, 1951 after meeting her on a blind date. They were happily married for 66 years, raising three children that blessed them with six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Joyce; daughters, Susan Ruud and Karen Slavik; son, Mark Gatlin; son-in-laws, John Ruud and John Slavik; daughter-in-law, Lisa Gatlin; grandchildren, Bryan Gatlin and wife Shanna, Ashley Mainz and husband Chris, Brittany Michael and husband Nicholas, Erin Slavik and husband Jonathan Hilbig, and Matthew Slavik; great grandchildren, Ruby Mae and James Michael, Charles Hilbig, and Emma Claire Mainz; sisters, Emma Tinney and Lou Wilson; brother-in-law, Louis Wilson; and various cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, John Gatlin, Alma Cooper, Sadie Hillman and Loma Bangham; and granddaughter Melanie Kay Gatlin.

The celebration of life service will be on Tuesday, July 3rd at 11:00am at Lloyd James Funeral Home, 1011 East First Street, Tyler. Visitation for friends and family will begin at 10:00am prior to the service. Interment will follow at Cathedral in the Pines Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Marvin United Methodist Church of Tyler, Texas or Hospice of East Texas.