William Cleveland Batson, Jr., 88, of Watha passed peacefully at home on Monday, July 25, 2011 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born November 4, 1922 in Pender County, the son of the late William Cleveland Batson, Sr. and Hattie Hall Batson. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Natasha Marie Batson; brothers, John Thomas Batson and Wesley Herman Batson and sisters, Rosa Lee Hobbs and Martha Jane Batson.

William is survived by his loving family; his wife of 61 years, Allie G. Batson; sons, William \\"Willie\\" C. Batson III (Cindy) of New Hampshire and Timmy Batson (Sandi) of Wilmington; daughters, Phyllis B. Canady (Wayne) of Willard, Cindy B. Owens (Bobby) and Donna B. Poole (Tommy) both of Wilmington; grandchildren, Stephanie Singletary (Jeff), Thomas Poole, Jr. (Jen), Courtney Pedersen (Erik), Sheliah Poole-Hooper (Chris), Cammie Gilchrist (Dave), Shannon Pollard (Matt), Crystal Mullins (Jeremy), Cari Hopper (Josh) and Kenneth Warner; 16 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

William was a member of Blakes Chapel Advent Christian Church and was retired from Babcock & Wilcox Company.

William loved his family beyond measure and was the best husband, daddy, granddaddy and friend. His grandchildren and great grandchildren brought great joy into his and Allie's life. Being outdoors in God's beautiful world fishing and working in his garden were both things William really enjoyed. His specialty was making biscuits which his family truly enjoyed. William will be greatly missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

The family will receive friends at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home in Burgaw followed by the funeral service at 12 noon at the funeral home with The Rev. Edward Dowd officiating. Entombment will follow in Oleander Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.

Casketbearers will be Thomas Poole, Thomas Poole, Jr., Wayne Canady, Jeff Singletary, Matt Pollard, Chris Hooper, Jeremy Mullins and Josh Hopper.

Memorial gifts may be given to Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation, 1414 Physicians Dr., Wilmington NC 28401.

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