Townson-Rose Funeral Home

Obituary for Leon Tatham


08/01/1948 - 08/14/2019


Leon Tatham age 71 of Murphy, NC passed away Wednesday, August 14, 2019.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, and the son of the late Charles and Daisy Grant Tatham. Leon was a US Navy veteran and served one tour in Vietnam. He retired from active duty with the North Carolina National Guard 210th Military Police in 2008. He continued his involvement with military services through membership in The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve receiving numerous awards for his volunteer services. He was an active member of the Military Officers Association of America. Leon received his Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Western Carolina University. As an advocate for people with developmental disabilities, he served as Chairman of the Board of Industrial Opportunities Incorporated from 1992-2001. He began his career at Tri-County Community College serving in Veteran’s affairs and later as Dean of Instruction. He received his Master’s degree in Human Resources Management from Clemson University. He worked for Outboard Marine Corporation as a Human Resources Manager. Leon was dedicated to the improvement of his community and the education of its citizens. He was a member of multiple civic organizations and received a Governer’s Award for Volunteer services in 1995 and 1999.

He is survived by his wife, Treacy Tatham; one son, Lee Tatham; three step-sons; Sam Duncan and wife Karen; Jim Duncan and wife Andria; and Michael Duncan; one daughter, Leslie Wheeler and husband Allen; two brothers, Gary Tatham and wife Margaret and Dickey Tatham and wife Tutti; four grandchildren, three nephews, and one niece.

Funeral services will be held at 3 pm, Sunday, August 18, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Rev. Jerry Tatham will officiate. Burial will be in the Greenlawn Memorial Gardens with military gravesite rites conducted by the US Army Fort Bragg. Pallbearers will be the US Army Fort Bragg, Jim Duncan, Sam Duncan, Michael Duncan, Seth Wheeler, Hayden Duncan, and Harrison Duncan. Honorary pallbearers will be Lynn Roper and Dana Jones.

The family will receive friends from 1-3 pm, Sunday, August 18, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.


You may send tributes to the family at www.townson-rose.com


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