Donald Batts

Donald Batts, 81, of Raleigh, NC, passed away Monday, November 5th, 2018 in the peace and comfort of his home. He was born on August 17th, 1937 in Chinquapin, NC to John Thomas Batts and Etta Parker Batts. He married the love of his life, Martha Ann Pridgen Batts, on July 6th, 1963 and she survives.

Also surviving are his twin brother Ronald Batts, brother Gerald Batts, sister Evelyn Faye Batts Rogers, very special daughter Patricia Ann Batts Hansford, granddaughters Sydney Paige Hansford and Meredith Hunter Hansford, the newest light of his life and great-grandson Kenneth James Smith, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Thomas Batts and Etta Parker Batts, and his sister Lois Batts Savage.

Donald was a long-time resident of Raleigh, NC where he and his wife have lived since 1977. He got his electrical license in 1972 and started Batts Electric Company, which he ran with so much pride and honor until retiring in 2005. He was very well respected and he positively impacted everyone he worked with. He also served in the Army National Guard for 12 years until he was honorably discharged in 1966.

He had two loves in his life; his family and his work. He was such an incredibly smart man and using his mind to solve problems and fix things was his passion. He would teach anyone who was willing to listen and found pride in helping others succeed. His latest protégé was his great-grandson, Kenneth James Smith, who spent almost every day following Donald around and learning about all things mechanical. As much as he loved work, it paled in comparison to the love he had for his family. Those who saw him could feel the joy emanating from him when he was around those he loved. He always knew how to make people feel comfortable and could make a friend anywhere he went. His unending love, happiness, intelligence, and radiant personality will be remembered by all of those touched by his passing.

A time of visitation will be Saturday, November 10th, 2018 at 12:00 pm and the funeral service will start at 1:00 pm at Harmony Independent Presbyterian Church, 7640 Wildcat Rd, Harrells, NC 28444. Interment to follow.

The family asks that you spend time with your children and loved ones, cherish your enduring friendships lifelong and beyond, and always keep up with oil changes for your car. That is what Donald would wish.

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