Robert D. (Bob) Batten, Sr.

Robert D. (Bob) Batten, Sr., 72, of Valdosta, died on Tuesday, February 25, 2014, at South Georgia Medical Center after a brief period of declining health. A native of Knoxville, Tennessee, he was born on March 9, 1941, the son of the late John Daniel Batten and Dorothy Cecelia Dowling Batten. Bob was a graduate of Knoxville Catholic High School in 1959. He began his career in retail sales and worked for 20 years with JC Penney and other stores before moving back to Valdosta in the mid 1980's. He then worked for Camera America, Kuppenheimer and S& K Men's Clothiers before he retired. Bob was a member of Forest Park Church of Christ where he was known as "Bob the Greeter". He was a real people person who loved interacting with everyone he met, making them feel comfortable. He loved playing cards with friends, "Skip- Bo" being his favorite game of cards. He was an avid Tennessee football fan and was a dedicated and caring husband, father and grandfather.
Survivors are his wife of 32 years, Lawanna Howard Batten of Valdosta; daughters and sons in law, Donna and Joe Wiggins of Cartersville, Cecelia and Brian Kirby of Roswell, son, Daniel Batten, Jr. of Valdosta, brother, Joe Batten of Dover, Delaware; grandchildren, Carolyn and Leo Johnson of Valdosta, Robert and Kayla Wiggins of Cartersville, William and Meagan Wiggins of Okinawa, Joanna Wiggins of Cartersville, Chelsea and Benjamin Freeman of Roswell, Christina Kirby of Roswell; six great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister in law, Theresa Batten.
Funeral services will be held at Forrest Park Church of Christ at eleven a.m. on Friday, February 28, 2014. Mr. Terry Broome and Mr. Ryan Tuten will officiate. Burial will follow at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held on Thursday evening from 6 -8 p.m. at the Carson McLane Funeral Home. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Forrest Park Church of Christ Latin American Missions. www.mclanecares.com


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602