William Batson

This is just another soldier gone to get his reward. He has fought the fight, kept the faith, and now he has gone to be with the Lord. TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON . . . A TIME TO BE BORN. . . William J. Batson, of Concord, Delaware passed away at home surrounded by family and friends on Friday, May 29, 2015 at the age of 79. He died as a result of an aggressive form of gall bladder cancer. William was born in Atlanta, Delaware to loving parents, Jeremiah Batson and Hattie Marie (Ricketts) Batson. There were a total of 15 siblings. Each was seen as an individual and provided opportunities to develop their gifts and talents. Brother Batson’s aliases were “First Man”, “Uncle Bill”, and “THE GODFATHER!” A TIME TO GROW. . . His primary education took place at Trinity Elementary School and Charles L. Blocksom Elementary School in Seaford, Delaware. He attended Frederick Douglas Junior High School (1951-52) and graduated from William C. Jason Comprehensive High School, Georgetown, Delaware (1952-55). A TIME TO WORK. . . During his professional career Bill, like his brothers, drove an 18 wheeler for almost a decade. His handle was “Creepy Crawler.” During the same time period, he drove school and tour buses. Brother Batson had an extreme passion and love for the ocean. After 35 years of service as a Heavy Equipment Dredge Operator off the coast of New Jersey, he retired in 2005. Coinciding with the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, he was recruited by a former employer to return to work as a Dredge Captain. He was one of the first African Americans to hold the title of Dredge Captain. Cars, trucks, buses and any type of construction equipment were tools of the trade for William. He could take apart, reconstruct, and operate almost anything that moves. He was a healthy, happy senior statesman who enjoyed productive activity. A TIME TO PLAY. . . Boating, fishing and hunting were his primary hobbies. Whenever possible, he included his children and grandchildren in some aspect of these activities. Prior to his illness, he spent as much time as possible on his 22’ Aqua Sport boat in the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. As a young man he played baseball for the Sussex Hawks. He was an outstanding catcher who also played first base. A TIME TO SERVE. . . Brother Batson joined Mt. Calvary AME Church, Seaford, Delaware in 2006. Prior to that, he was a member in good standing at St. George AME Church in Lewes, Delaware for many years. Church involvement for the past two decades included transportation coordinator, choir member, choir president, Men’s Chorus and Trustee. He was also a member of the First District M-SWAWO and enjoyed the title of FIRST GENTLEMAN of the First District for three years. God graced him with favor, and allowed him to enjoy the title of CONN-M-SWAWO’S FIRST GENTLEMAN for two of those years. Brother Batson was faithful to daily intercessory prayer. His favorite hymns were “We are Marching to Zion” and “I’m Sending Up My Timber.” He frequently was overheard repeating his motto: May the Work I’ve Done Speak for Me. A TIME TO SAY GOODBYE… William was preceded in death by his parents, Jeremiah and Hattie Marie Batson; four brothers: Jeremiah, Thomas, Alfred and Charles; three sisters: Grace, Martha and Mary Virginia. He Leaves To Cherish and Honor His Memories: his wife, Reverend Idola W. Batson; three adult children from a previous union: William L. (Regina) and Thurman Batson, and Alvenia Reese (Tony); siblings, Louis (Rosalie) Batson, Pearl (Leon) Lofland, Doris Ann (Juel) Butler, Addie Bolden, George (Vanessa) Batson, Jerry Batson, and Shirley Batson; six grandchildren – Thurman White, Alonda Tate, Troy Maull, Travon, Tremaine, and Trent Batson; nine great-grandchildren; four mentees – Shawn and William Gibbs, Donald Robinson, and Tony Stewart; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Batson, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

William Batson

January 27, 1936 - May 29, 2015