Dr. Crawford Asbury Tatum, Sr.
Dr. Crawford Asbury Tatum, Sr., a lifetime resident of Opelika, Alabama, died on September 5, 2014. At the age of 90. He was born January 20, 1924 to Oscar Hilt Tatum and Mary Corrine Smith Tatum.
After graduating from Opelika High School, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1942 from Auburn University and in 1946 he earned his Doctor of Dental Science from Emory University Dental School. Dr. Tatum then served two years in the Army as Chief of Oral Surgery at the 391st Station Hospital in Northern Italy at the rank of Captain.
Upon returning to Opelika, he joined his father’s dental practice in1947. Dr.Tatum was on the Board of the Preservation of Oral Health Society, which was instrumental in changing the teaching of Oral Health of the U.S. in the 1960’s and 1970’s.
He practiced with his brother, Hilt, for twenty years and together they pioneered the use of dental implants. Dr. Tatum was privileged to have his sons Crawford Jr. in 1975 and Tim in 1979, join him in practice. At the age of 62, he retired for health reasons.
Dr. Tatum loved the First United Methodist Church of Opelika, where he was an active member serving In many capacities, his passion being missions.
As an active golfer, Dr. Tatum was the oldest living member of the original Saugahatchee Country Club. He was known as “Doc” to his golf friends and loved to talk golf and share his numerous stories with his friends who were kind enough to listen.
Dr. Tatum was proudest of his Christian family. He is survived by his wife, Leila Alice Flewellen Tatum, of 65 years and their three children, Crawford Asbury Tatum, JR.(Lynn) of Opelika, Al., Timothy Hilt Tatum(Sara Jane) of Opelika, Al. and Carol Tatum Wilbanks (William) of Alexander City, Al. and eight grandchildren, Crawford Tatum III (Charmoin), Myles Tatum (Payton), John Tatum (Emily Ann), Drew Tatum, Katie Tatum Moore (Jared), Matt Tatum, Tatum Wilbanks Massey and Fuller Wilbanks (Morgan), and five great grandchildren, Anslee Tatum, Leila Tatum, Myles Tatum Jr, Banks Tatum and Averie Massey. He is also survived by his brother, Hilt Tatum and several nieces and nephews. His funeral service was held Monday, September 8 , 2014, at 2:00 P.M. at the First United Methodist Church of Opelika. Visitation was in the church’s Fellowship Hall from 12:20 to 2:00 P.M. on Monday.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the First United Methodist Church of Opelika Missions will be appreciated at 700 Avenue A, Opelika, Al. 36801.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory directed.
www.jeffcoattrant.com.
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Anne Vaughan Norman
Anne Vaughan Norman, 65, an Opelika native, passed away at her home in Ocala, Florida, on September 1, 2014. Anne had battled cancer for more than a dozen years. She was the daughter of Doug and Bette Vaughan of Opelika.
Anne was born in Opelika on June 22, 1949. She graduated from Opelika High School and attended Auburn University. She married James K. Norman, an Auburn alumnus and an Auburn man through and through. For most of their 46 years of married life they lived in Boca Raton and Ocala, Florida. Jim preceded Anne in death by just six weeks, dying on July 12, 2014.
She loved horses and both owned and rode hunters and jumpers in competitive events. She was an accomplished equestrian and received numerous awards for her horsemanship as well as for the horses she owned and exhibited. She was also an avid soldier of the Lord and Anne never lost her sense of humor.
Anne is survived by her parents; son David, of Pompano Beach, FL; sister Nancy Vaughan (Tommy) Myers of Durham, NC, sister Joy Vaughan Bowles of Auburn and sister-in law Donna (Jan) Jakubowski of New Jersey.
A memorial service will be held for Anne and Jim at a later date. Those desiring to contribute in Anne’s and Jim’s memory may contribute to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation ( www.themmrf.org ) or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (www.bcrfcure.org ) or a charity of their choice. Frederick-Dean will be handling the arrangements.