Roger William Tatem, age 91, of Newport News, Virginia, went to be with the Lord on October 15, 2026. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, he was the son of Roger W. Tatem, Sr. and Evelyn Ivey Williams Tatem, and the brother of Charles “Charlie” Tatem.

Roger attended elementary school in Norfolk and graduated from Hillside School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. He studied electrical engineering and graduated from Duke University where, during his junior year, he met Mary McCormick on a blind date. What began as a chance meeting grew into a beautiful love story. Roger and Mary were married on June 29, 1957, and shared 69 wonderful years of marriage.

Roger began his professional career with Duke Power before answering the call to serve his country. In 1958, he joined the United States Navy as an Ensign and became a Naval Aviator, flying the P2 aircraft. After five years of military service, Roger and Mary settled their growing family in Newport News, Virginia, where he began a long and distinguished civilian career at Newport News Shipbuilding.

During his years at the shipyard, Roger worked on nuclear submarines and participated in five sea trials, including those involving the USS Baton Rouge, USS Memphis, and USS Los Angeles. His engineering expertise and dedication carried him into the next chapter of his career, working with several engineering consulting firms, including Thompson Engineering Firm. He concluded his professional career and service to his country at the MMM Design Group, where he contributed to the electrical renovation of the Pentagon following 9/11.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Roger and Mary built a beautiful life together on the Peninsula, one rooted in faith, family, and service to others. Roger faithfully served as an elder at New Covenant Church for 23 years. He was a Boy Scout leader, played softball until the remarkable age of 76, served on the prayer team, led a home group, and counseled married couples alongside Mary.

Roger was intentional about making memories with those he loved. He generously gave his time, resources, and attention to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Whether investing in family beach vacations or trips to other destinations, taking the grandchildren and later the great-grandchildren to local museums, or treating anyone who would join him to lunch, Roger found joy in simply being together. He delighted in creating experiences for his family and was always looking for ways to bless those around him. His generosity was never just about what he gave, but about the love behind it.

Above all, Roger was a devoted husband to Mary. He loved her deeply and supported her wholeheartedly, spending countless weekends accompanying her to writing conferences across the country, encouraging her dreams, and investing in her interests. Their 69 years of marriage were a beautiful example of enduring love, faithfulness, and commitment—a gift not only to each other, but to everyone who had the privilege of witnessing their life together.

Roger's faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of his life. It shaped the way he loved, served, gave, and persevered. His generosity knew few limits, his love for others was genuine, and his trust in the Lord remained steadfast through every season of life. He didn't simply speak of his faith; he lived it, day after day, in both the ordinary and extraordinary moments. Perhaps the greatest testament to his faith was the way he continued to cling to Jesus with unwavering love and trust, regardless of life's circumstances. While his family will deeply miss his presence, his legacy of faith, love, and generosity will continue through the generations into which he so faithfully poured his life.

Roger is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; his four children, Joe (Dale), Becky (Steve), Andy (Lisa Jane), and Matt (Lisa Marie); 15 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and his nephew and niece, Tim and Carrie.

2 Timothy 4:7

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

The family will receive friends at W. J. Smith Funeral Home, 210 Harpersville Road, Newport News, Virginia, on Monday, October 26, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at New Covenant Church, 1079 Big Bethel Road, Hampton, Virginia, in the Belong Center, located toward the rear of the building.

Following a brief reception, burial with military honors will take place 2:00 p.m. at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 8100 Granby Street, Norfolk, Virginia.

Donations can be made to https://lifespireliving.org/give/giving/ (The Chesapeake Retirement Home) or New Covenant Church.