Robert Marvin Tatum

Robert Marvin Tatum, 84, of Elizabethtown, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on August 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. The family takes comfort in knowing that he is now reunited in heaven with his beloved son, Robert Marvin Tatum, Jr., who passed away in 2009. 

Affectionately known as "Pops" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Marvin was born May 27, 1941, in Wilson County, North Carolina, the adopted son of the late Mattie and Willard Tatum. He attended school in Elizabethtown, where football coach Charles Reagan recognized his speed and convinced his father to let him join the team. After completing his school bus route each day, Marvin ran four miles back to practice. He also excelled in track throughout high school.

After graduation, Marvin joined Bladen Auto Parts in Elizabethtown. On August 25, 1963, he married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Jane Peterson. Together they celebrated 62 years of love and partnership. In 1974, they opened Quality Auto Parts, which Marvin operated for 36 years. Two decades later, he and his son Steve founded Quality Farms, giving him a reason to work alongside family and revel in time with his son and grandsons.

Marvin wanted to be remembered simply, but to his family he was anything but simple. Kind and generous, he shared his time and resources freely, always with a heart of gold. Known for his quick wit, he delighted in creating special nicknames for friends and family - each one a playful badge of affection that made people feel uniquely loved. A devoted husband, father, and Pops, he cherished his family, Trinity Methodist Church, and his community. Over the years, he served in many leadership roles at the church and took special pride in his work on the Bladen We Care Board of Directors. An avid golfer, he enjoyed greeting friends from his back porch as they passed the eighth green at Vineyard Golf at White Lake.

In addition to his son Robert Marvin Tatum, Jr. and his parents, Marvin was preceded in death by siblings Inez Carver, Ronald Tatum, Jimmy Tatum, Sarah Borbeau, and G.C. Tatum. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Tatum; daughter Kimberly Edwards (Seth) of Washington, NC; son Steve Tatum (Renee) of Elizabethtown; grandchildren Tatum Haselden (Matt), Tori Donadio (Alex), Sydney Tate (William), Marshall Tatum, Coleman Tatum, and Garrison Tatum; great-grandchildren Livia Haselden, Matthew Haselden, and Ace Donadio; and siblings Sandra Stanley of Winston-Salem and Edward Tatum of Elizabethtown.

A celebration of Marvin's life will be held at Trinity Methodist Church on August 27, 2025, at 2:00 PM, officiated by the Reverend Matt Thorley. A reception will follow in the church activity building.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Trinity Methodist Church or Bladen We Care.

"Well done, good and faithful servant... enter into the joy of your Lord."- Matthew 25:23