Walter Latham

Walter (Willard) Latham, 82, of Oak Ridge, passed away unexpectedly at home on April 28, 2021. He was born to the late William (Gordon) and Ira Lee Latham on November 29, 1938, in Scottsboro, Alabama. Willard graduated from Jackson County High School. He attended the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, and earned a bachelor's degree in Commerce and Business Administration (1962) and a master's degree in Management (1966). He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Faye Findley Latham, originally from Atmore, Alabama; his brother, William Edward (Ed) Latham; and his sister, Pauline (Paula) Latham Manley. He is survived by his brother, James (Carl) Latham (wife Carolyn Latham) of Knoxville; his sister, Nice' Latham Loney (husband Hal Loney) of McKinney, Texas; his sister, Juanita (Nita) Latham Lyon, of McKinney, Texas; and his sister, Helen (Hannah) Latham Zale, of Huntsville, Alabama. Willard was father to three adoring daughters: Robin Latham Taylor (husband Frank Taylor) of Niceville, Florida; Leigh Aynne Latham Eidemiller (husband Trent Eidemiller) of Oak Ridge; and Lesley Latham Anderson (husband Greg Anderson) of Loganville, Georgia. Willard will be missed by three loving grandchildren, Evan Eidemiller, William Anderson, and Ellen Eidemiller.
Early in his marriage Willard was a Lieutenant in the Army stationed at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina. After moving to Oak Ridge on March 7, 1966, he worked for 28 years at the Department of Energy (DOE) as a Contracting Officer. Willard was involved in athletics throughout his entire life. He played football and baseball throughout high school, and baseball for the University of Alabama, playing short stop, third base, and pitcher. Willard was a baseball/softball umpire and football referee for the TSSAA, where he especially enjoyed his work with Oak Ridge High School and Jefferson Middle School. He was an active member of First Baptist Church, Oak Ridge, where he was an usher for many years. He was a Toastmaster and Mason. Willard had a passion for flying and became an instrument-rated pilot and member of The Flying 64th Club out of Oliver Springs. Along with his wife, he lived for raising their three daughters. He coached his daughters in Little League and enjoyed many musical and ballet recitals. His children and grandchildren were the light of his life.
Willard will be missed by all. He will be laid to rest beside the love of his life, Faye, at the Robinsonville Baptist Church cemetery in Atmore, Alabama, at a future, undetermined date.