Benjamin Thomas “Tommy” Tatem Jr.

Benjamin Thomas (Tommy) Tatem, Jr., 83, of Virginia Beach, Virginia (Pungo) passed away peacefully on September 15, 2023, at home.

Tommy retired from the Ford Plant after 30 years of employment.  He then retired from Virginia Beach City Schools after 13 years.  He was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for several years.  He loved his church family and the friendships he developed over the years.  He loved driving his golf cart and tractor.  He loved the outdoors, working in the yard and was always proud of his garden.  He loved food and took pride in feeding people and cooking for his church.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Emma Susan Tatem of Virginia Beach, Virginia.  Daughters, Dottie Shurtz (Richard), Laurie Rhodes (Richard) and sons, Benjamin Thomas Tatem, III (Tracie), Arthur Tatem ( Debbie), Danny Ligon (Becca), and his extended family, Brittany Thieman and Brenda Riggs, and 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren.  His sisters, Shirley Charleston, Evelyn Ellett, Elizabeth Ward, and Louise Ferguson.  He was preceded in death by his parents Benjamin Thomas Tatem, Sr. and Elizabeth Tatem, his brother, Harold Tatem and sisters, Marie Riveria and Jeannette Cecil.

There will be a Celebration of Life, Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 1936 Gum Bridge Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23457 from 2:00p.m. to 5p.m. following a private burial at Oak Grove Baptist Church.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Oak Grove Baptist Church Building Fund, 691 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23457.