James K. Batey

October 1, 1931 was a proud day for Tom and Angeline Batey when their son, James K. Batey was born. He would become the last of their nine children who all preceded him in death: Andrew Batey, Leroy (Bo) Batey, Sam Batey, Jennie Batey, Archie Batey, Nannie Mae Batey Foutch, Luther Batey, Nettie Batey, and Robert Batey.

He lived a life full of doing the things he loved to do and being with the people he loved the most. James was a dedicated servant of God and was called home to rest from his labors and be with the Lord on April 29, 2023. James united with the church at an early age and served faithfully in the church until his health prevented him from doing so. He served as a deacon at the Full Assembly Church in Woodbury, TN and the membership recognized and loved him for his soulful prayers. His love for God followed him everywhere he went. He never met a stranger and always witnessed about his relationship with the Lord.

He met and married his loving wife, Katherine Foutch Batey. He most definitely spoiled her and was a devoted husband. They kept their vows of “until death do us part” when Katherine went home to be with the Lord in 2012. God blessed their union with a son and a daughter.

James was a man who believed in doing an honest day’s work. He worked faithfully for the City of Woodbury for 43 years before his retirement. He not only worked on his job; he worked wherever there was a task to be done. He ran his own slaughter house for many years and prepared cattle and swine. He taught his skills to his son, Jimmy, grandsons; Ricardo (Muffin), Emanuel and many of his nephews. Two of his famous sayings were, “If you don’t work, you don’t eat” and “If you want anything, you have to work for it.” He was also a great storyteller.

 He was short in statue but stood tall as a man of faith, love and caring. Daddy James (as called by the grandchildren) was a big lover of hunting for frogs, and turtles. Most of the family got to experience his preparation of the animals he had caught. They even participated in the boiling of the chickens to pluck the feathers. Quite naturally, there was always a good meal after the preparation. He took pride in his home and grew beautiful flowers in his yard each year and also cared for the house plants. He also loved gardening and planted and harvested many vegetables that would feed his family and be shared with others. He really had a green thumb!

Daddy James was loved by all who knew him. After the passing of his wife (Katherine) Diane Lyons would call him each morning to check on him. Mary Floyd was faithful to make sure he arrived safely at his doctor’s appointments and Louise Knox would call each week to remind him to watch the wrestling matches. Mary Barrett was another special friend that he spoke with each day. He was a recipient of the love he had shown for others. His memory will be lovingly cherished by his son; Jimmy (Diane) Lyons, daughter; Shirley (Jerry) Chestnutt, God son; Charles Mount, grandchildren; Dana (William) Terry, Ondria (William) Turner, Lavon (Steve) McGee, Labresieo Bass, Emanuel (Jamie) Chestnutt, Jessica (Quincy) Jones, Kaneeka Bustos and Elisha Lyons nine great grandchildren and ten great, great grandchildren, devoted nieces; Mary Pagan, Frances Hill and Mary Floyd, devoted nephews; Floyd Batey and Freddie Batey, devoted friend Louise Knox; and a host of other relatives, friends and a loving church family.

Visitation will be held at Hillside Fellowship Church, 2999 John Bragg Hwy. Woodbury, TN from 12-1 pm on Saturday, May 6, 2023.  Funeral services will be at 1 pm with Leonard Brown officiating.  Interment will be in Donnell Cemetery.  Share memories and condolences with the family at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com   Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337.  Because every life has a story.