Percy R. Batten, 88, of Wendell, passed away surrounded by his family, January 2, 2014. He was the son of the late Reuben P. Batten and Leacy Edwards Batten.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Helen Cooper Batten. When she received a compliment, he would always say to everyone, ‘she wasn’t pretty, she was beautiful’.
Mr. Batten was also preceded in death by his siblings, brothers: Dalton (Jack) Batten, Andrew (Pepsie) Batten, R. D. (Chip) Batten, sisters, Lona Mae (Sis) Batten Price Harris and Rudene Batten Watson Stancil.
He is survived by his daughter, Betty Batten Harris (Mike) of Wendell, granddaughter, Shelley Hales Buffaloe, of Raleigh, two grandsons, Brad Hales (Karen) of Raleigh, Brian Hales (Jenny) of Clayton, and two great grandchildren, Cooper Grace Buffaloe of Raleigh and Brennan Hugh Hales of Clayton.
Mr. Batten served during WWII in Europe, where he was awarded the Bronze Star and other various medals. After years of preferring not to speak about the war, in recent years, Mr. Batten volunteered his time traveling to various schools to speak with students about what occurred during WWII. He was loyal to a fault and loved serving his country.
Mr. Batten retired from farming and carpentry. However, after retiring he continued to assist Randy Edwards farming and enjoyed working with him.
Mr. Batten has numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved as his sons and daughters.
He leaves a legacy behind to show all who knew him how to strive to live. He was a person who loved unconditionally and unselfishly. He was humorous and caring and was the best husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle anyone could have ever wished for.
Services will be held at 3 pm, Monday, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Hwy 231 Wendell with visitation from 1-3 pm, prior to the service in the Family Ministry Center at Baptist Tabernacle Church and also other times at the home of Mike and Betty Harris. Burial with military honors will follow the service at the church.
The family has requested in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the building fund for Baptist Tabernacle Church, Hwy 231, Wendell, NC 27591.
Arrangements are with Strickland Funeral Home, 211 W. Third St, Wendell. www.stricklandfuneralhomes.net
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