Trail Blazer Mr. Ray Tatum

Mr. Ray Tatum grew up in the Town of Richwood and later moved to Monroe. He has been married for 57 years to Mrs. Mary Lee Tatum and they have five children. Mr. Tatum retired in 2007, after 42 years of service at E A Conway Medical Center, currently known as Ochsner Health System/LSU Health Shreveport Monroe Medical Center. He joined the hospital as an aide in 1965 and worked his way up to his retired position, "Captain" of the Louisiana Department of Health & Hospital's 10- person hospital police unit. During his tenure, he advocated for many of the employees and worked with former Senator Charles Jones to make changes at the hospital. Some have said that Mr. Tatum was not only like a father and mentor to them, but he saved their jobs and encouraged them to continue to work at the hospital during some difficult times at the hospital. Although Mr. Tatum himself and others worked at the hospital during difficult times, he was able to witness many positives changes mainly due to former Senator Charles Jones' leadership. While working at the hospital, he saw a facility name change and a new hospital campus built in 1987. After Mr. Tatum's retirement, many of the employees still talk about him wearing his uniform and making people feel safe and comfortable. It has been thirteen years since Mr. Tatum's retirement, but there are some who still remember the things he did while they worked at the hospital. Thank you Mr. Ray Tatum for being a trail blazer for many in the community.