Obituary of Rev. William Batts,96

Officiating Obituary Rev. William Batts, Jr. was born to the late Josephine and William Batts, Sr. on October 24, 1923 in Red River Parish, Louisiana. On Sunday, December 29, 2019 he heeded God’s call and transitioned into eternal rest. Rev. Batts confessed Christ as his Savior and was baptized at an early age. He received his education from the Red River Parish Schools. He served in the United States Army during World War II from September 7, 1940 to November 5, 1945 and received an honorable discharge on December 11, 1945. He retired as a civilian from Fort Polk Military Base as a driver. Rev. Batts was called to preach the Gospel in November 1, 1964. He pastored Morning Star Baptist Church in Marco, LA for a brief period and Damascus Baptist Church in Lena for over 50 years and Spring Hill Baptist Church in Natchitoches Parish. A fellowship hall was dedicated in his name on February 11, 2017 at Damascus Baptist Church. Rev. Batts remained the pastor at Spring Hill and he served faithfully until his health failed. Rev. Batts was united in holy matrimony to Lucille McDaniel on November 8, 1987 and they were married for 32 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lucille McDaniel Batts, one biological son William Batts, III, one step-son Wilbert Green and one-step daughter Nancy Flanagan, one step-granddaughter Laketira Flanagan, two sisters: Clara Lawson and Gussie Kelly and three brothers Early Contz, Sam Sanders, and Thomas Batts. He leaves to cherish his fond memories; stepdaughters Sandra McDaniel Hutson (Brian) of New Iberia, LA; Brenda Branch of Boyce, LA; Emma Flanagan of Woodworth, LA; stepsons David Branch of Taylor Hill, LA; and Alvin Branch of Alexandria, LA; Richard Green (Marian) of Baton Rouge, LA; He raised his step- grandson as his own Jarvis Flanagan of Alexandria, LA; and two step-grandchildren and seven step-great grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter; two Godchildren Frankie Ray McDaniel and Jeremy Odom and host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.