William Bernard Tatterson Jr. passed away Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at age 85, at Riverside Lifelong Health and Rehabilitation Center, Mathews, after a long illness. He was born on May 28, 1938 in Shadow, Va.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Bernard and Virginia Borum Tatterson, and his former wife, Jeannie Hudgins Tatterson.

He is survived by his daughter, Kathryn Tatterson; son-in-law, Sterling Hudgins; grandson, Ray Hudgins, and step-granddaughters, Madeline Hudgins and Morgan Shultz (Jeff). He is also survived by a sister, Margaret Sutton of Williamsburg; a brother, John Borum Tatterson (Ann) of Hudgins; numerous nieces and nephews, and many beloved cousins.

Bill graduated from Mathews High School in 1956. In 1962, he received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Virginia Military Institute. After honorably serving our country in the United States Army, Bill was employed by Allied Chemical Corporation and Newport News Shipbuilding.

Always a dreamer, in 1972, Bill and Jeannie began growing tomatoes in greenhouses. Together they established Tatterson Greenhouses, expanding to grow bedding plants, hanging baskets and poinsettias, and growing to become, at one time, the largest private employer in Mathews. He had a passion for fishing, boating, friends, family and community. He loved life, never knew a stranger and his eyes shone on the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

The family would like to thank the staff of Riverside Lifelong Health and Rehabilitation Center for their compassionate care and support.

The family will be receiving visitors at Faulkner Funeral Homes, Foster-Faulkner Chapel, Mathews, from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, June 15. There will be a graveside service at Christ Church Cemetery, 320 Williams Wharf Road, Mathews, Va. 23109 at 2 p.m. Friday, June 16.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Mathews Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1037, Mathews, Va. 23109 in support of the county where Bill was deeply rooted and loved.