Ollie Gilbert "JR" Tatum

Ollie Gilbert Tatum, Jr (JR) passed away on September 7, 2026 at home . He was born in Yadkinville, North Carolina to Ollie Gilbert Tatum and Irene (Hoots) Tatum.

JR is survived by his wife of 43 years, Kay Tatum; son Paul Tatum (Kim) and their daughters Ava and Paisley; and son Stephen Tatum (Catherine), their son, Jackson and daughter, Summer.

JR owned Oriental Auto Clinic in Stanleyville, NC. His customers came from multiple cities and states to have him repair their Japanese cars. He was thankful to have the opportunity to work in Winston Cup Racing, taking care of engines and being a spotter for multiple teams. After leaving racing he and Kay started their IT company, Performance Dimensions. Making sure his customers IT needs were taken care of was his ministry. He never considered it to be a job. He was always there to fix any problem they had – day or night. But his personal relationship with his customers was the most important thing to him. He considered them to be family and friends.

Being a member of Fall Creek Baptist Church brought him the most blessings. He immediately felt that was where God wanted him to be. The preaching of God’s word and the love he received from the members meant so much to him. He loved his church family.

There will be a celebration of life service at Fall Creek Baptist Church, 3345 Fall Creek Church Road, Jonesville, NC on Saturday, September 19th at 2:30. Visitation will begin at 1:00.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fall Creek Baptist Church Building Fund.