Gernardo Tatum

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SSG USA Retired Gernardo Garcell Tatum

Gernardo Garcell Tatum was born November23, 1963, at Clinton, Oklahoma, to Gladys Tatum Williams of Frederick, Oklahoma, and Ernest Wiley, of Lawton, Oklahoma, but the father of his heart was Clarence Williams. His mother Gladys was the most important person in his life. Her loving care abled his success and achievements. Her support would help him go on and accomplish many of his goals. He attended Frederick schools and graduated from Frederick High School with the Class of 1981. He attended college at Prairie View and Big Bend College where he received his degree in Psychology and became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc. He graduated Platt College in 2005 and became a medical assistant, and then a licensed phlebotomy technician. 

He joined the United States Army in February 1981, where he received many awards and decorations to include: 18 Army Achievement Medals, 13 Army Commendation Medals, 2 Meritorious Service Medals, and the Campaign Medal for his participation in Operation Just Cause and Desert Storm. He retired as a Senior NCO in the Army after more than 20 years of honorable service. He was proud of his military service and accomplishments. While in the Armed Forces, he played on the All-Army Basketball Team, and later became a coach. He was a member of the Masonic Order for Oklahoma, Georgia, and Maryland, where he started his Masonic career and became a Worship Master, and later a Past-Master for I.H. Clayborne, in Korea. He enjoyed his Masonic service, becoming a member of the Royal Arch Mason, Knights Templar, 32 Degree Mason, and a Shriner. He was a member of the NAACP Frederick Chapter, VFW, Elks, and the Army Chemical Corps of America. 

In 2005, he was united in holy matrimony to Diane Nolan. They became one soul with one goal in mind to serve the Lord. Elder Gernardo Tatum transitioned to meet his Savior on February 27, 2024. He was a faithful member of the Church of the Living God C.W.F.F. #219, where he was called and qualified to preach the Gospel. He started his journey and the Lord touched and changed his life. He preached a sermon within Church of the Living God C.W.F.F.  God and was ordained October 3, 1996. He devoted his life to teaching and preaching the Word of God whenever and wherever God opened doors for his ministry.  He pastored the following churches: Temple #273, #144, and #400. He loved his family and always wanted them to know and understand, “I Love You All.” His favorite scripture was John 15:13. Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for a friend.” Gernardo was a living testimony of this scripture. 

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife: Diane (Nolan) Tatum, of the home; his father: Clarence Williams, of Frederick, Oklahoma; a daughter: De’Jsha Garcella Tatum, of Sumter, South Carolina; sons: Anthony Nolan, and Adrien Tatum Brown, both of Lawton, Oklahoma; stepsons: Shanta Nolan of Bentonville, Arkansas, and Alfred Major, of Lawton, Oklahoma; god daughters: Robin Ellison, of Savannah, Georgia, Britney Polk, of Austin, Texas; God sons: Jabri Ellison, of Savannah, Georgia; Michael Polk of Austin, Texas, whom he raised; three sisters: Tevedous Hurd, of Oklahoma City, Yvondee Harp, of Lawton, Oklahoma, and Tammerler Harris Campbell (Benny), of Frederick, Oklahoma; brothers: Michael D. Tatum (Pam), San Fernando Valley, California, Ernest Wiley Jr., of Lawton, Oklahoma; six grandchildren, aunts: Mae Frances Jackson (Jack), Lolly Fay Williams (Charles), both of Oklahoma City; Cynthia Crowley (Roy), Lillie Mae Williams, and Cherylyn Preston, all of New Orleans, Louisiana; uncle: Hillard Williams (Alice), both of New Orleans, Louisiana; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his mother: Gladys Williams, whose love he treasured; biological father: Ernest Wiley Sr.; grandparents: Rachel (Tatum) McDaniel, Clarence Williams Sr. and wife Ellender T. Francis Williams; his brothers: Mr. Clarence Williams III, Troy and Dexter Tatum; sister: Devoria Morrison; brother-in-law: Freddie Hurd; aunts: Essie Rockenmore, Willie Mae (Tatum) Nolan; Joyceland M. Patterson, and Virginia Buckner; uncles: Ronnie Williams, James Tatum, Roosevelt Gildon, and Jack Perry. 

Gernardo’s parting sentiments, “I just want my family still in the land of the living, to know that now is the time for you to really love one another. If you love each other, you will support and encourage one another. Family is so important, and to be a part of God’s family, you must now learn to be a part of your earthly family. Love extends beyond the grave.”

Orr Gray Gish Funeral Home

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