Robert Wade Gatlin, 80, passed away on Monday, March 25, 2024, at his home after an extended illness. He was born March 9, 1944, to Milford and Maxie George Gatlin. He attended Mantachie High School where he played football and was a star basketball player. He married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Sheffield. He worked at Mantachie Manufacturing and then at Penn Tire until it closed. He then worked at Mueller Brass Copper Tube for 30 years, before retiring as shipping supervisor. He was a member of Mantachie First Baptist Church. He was an avid NASCAR fan.
Grave -Side Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 29, with Bro. David Long officiating. McNeece-Morris Funeral Home in Mantachie is in charge of the arrangements.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Joyce Gatlin; one son, Tim Gatlin (Misty) of Mantachie; one sister, Sue Poteet (Rod) of Ozark; one grandson, T.J. Gatlin; one sister-in-law, Jane Gatlin of Mooreville; a host of nieces and nephews and other family members.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Jim Gatlin; and his parents.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Mantachie First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 159, Mantachie, MS 38855.
The family wishes to thank Kindred Hospice for their care and a special thanks to Robert’s two favorite nurses, Amber and Katelyn.
