NORFOLK – Former Old Dominion University Tennis Coach and professor, Dr. Al Tatem passed away on Wed., Dec. 24, 2014. A native of Norfolk, Tatem served as Old Dominion’s men’s tennis coach from 1960-73. He was 90 years old.
His 1969 squad won ODU’s first tennis team title, capturing the Mason-Dixon Conference championship. ODU Hall of Fame Tennis player George Consolvo won two(1966 & 67) straight Atlantic Coast Regional Tournament singles titles, and the doubles team of Dave Gunn and Phil Peterson advanced to the 1971 NCAA College Division doubles championships under Tatem.
While at what is now O.D.U. he wrote a book called "Tennis Everyone", it was used as the text book for all of the tennis classes. Proceeds went to aid the Physical Education Dept. Al started the Elder Hostel Program at the University and this program was active for several years. As part of the sports program he was asked to develop the intramural program and served as the Director for several years before his retirement in 1984 at which time they elected him Emeriti Associate Professor of O.D.U.
After retirement he became interested in nutrition, real estate, and once again insurance. At this point he began taking a larger interest in Shriners and Masonry. He was a 50 year member of both. While being involved in the Shriners he became the Shrine Oyster Bowl Chairman for 4 years. During that time they also supported and sponsored the Shrine Golf Tournament with funds going to the Shrine Transportation Fund. He, also, founded the Chapter of Teocalli #117 which was originated in Mexico to assist crippled and burned children.
In 1950 he worked at South Norfolk High School as a football and wrestling coach. In 1952 he coached several sports at Norview High School. Al left education for several years to be part of the insurance business world. During that time he was active in the Junior Chamber of Commerce. He served as President of the Norfolk Junior Chamber and held offices on the local, regional and state level.
Al re-entered the education field in 1956 at Norview High School as football, wrestling and tennis coach and remained there until 1960. From 1956 to 1962 he was the Tennis Pro at the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club. During this time he helped to form the Norfolk Tennis Patrons Association. While at the "Club" a trophy tradition was begun to honor "The Most Sportsmanlike Junior of the Year".
Al was preceded in death by his parents Norma Wingfield and James Albert Tatem, Sr. He is survived by his wife of 53 years Phyllis Sawyer Tatem; cousins, Barbara Anne Steffe (Wilson), Jean Bates (John), Roger Tatem (Mary), Mrs. E. L. Milner, Mrs. Billy Millner, Mrs. Al Milner, Freer Gray Kiger, Jr., (Diane), Mrs. Karen Schroeder (John) ; and god-sons, Jackson Davies (Carla) and Freer Gray Kiger III.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Tues., January 6, 2015 at the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club. A reception will follow the service. Burial of his cremains will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the "Coach Tatem Tennis Memorial Fund" at Harbor's Edge branch of Towne Bank, the Khedive Shrine Temple Transportation Fund, or to a charity of the donor's choice. H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk Chapel is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.hdoliver.com.