Emmitt Tatum

Emmitt Charles Tatum, Jr. was born on October 12, 1982, in Jupiter, Florida, to Gloria Jean Tempson and Emmitt Charles Tatum, Sr. He attended public schools in Jupiter and graduated from Jupiter High School in 2002. Following graduation, Emmitt earned a football scholarship to Kilgore Junior College before continuing his athletic career at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas, in 2005. He had a deep passion for football and played the position of defensive end. Emmitt was also a devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the University of Miami football team.

After taking a brief break from college, Emmitt attended Milan Cosmetology School, where he earned his Cosmetology license in 2008 and became a master barber. He was exceptionally talented and artistic in his craft, known for making lasting impressions on everyone who sat in his chair. Emmitt later returned to West Texas A&M University and graduated in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in general studies. In addition to barbering, he also worked in corrections for TDCJ and Randall County and as a bodyguard after completing VIP security training.

Emmitt was baptized during his teenage years at his hometown church, Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church in Jupiter, Florida. In 2009, he rededicated his life to the Lord at Victory Temple Church, where he faithfully served as Pastor E.W. Oates’ adjutant. In 2015, he became a member of Pentecostal Temple COGIC, where he remained a faithful and active member until his untimely passing.

Emmitt was a kind, loving, hardworking, and thoughtful man who deeply valued his family and friendships. His presence, strength, humor, and caring spirit touched many lives.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Gloria Tempson Cunningham; sister, Tiffany Parchment; ex-wife, TaRoya Tatum; paternal grandparents, Joe and Ida Tatum; maternal grandmother Inelle Tempson, Uncles: Joe Jr., Robert Sr., Walter, and Odell, and Aunts: Annie and Pearline.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved sons, Tyree W. Charles Tatum, Emytt T. Charles Tatum, and Jayceyon T. Charles Tatum, all of Amarillo, Texas; his father, Emmitt Tatum Sr. who relocated from Florida to Amarillo, Texas; brothers, Bradwell Parchment of Amarillo, Texas, and Charles Turner of Alaska; Cousin Darrell, Trusted mentor and bonus father, Coach Jim Horn Sr. and wife Donna of Florida, along with their son Brian Horn; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephew; and special friend and former wife, Trashaunda McBride of Amarillo, Texas.

Emmitt’s legacy of love, faith, friendship, strength, and dedication to family both natural and spiritual will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

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