Lonnie Batts, Jr.

~Acknowledgement ~

You’re in my heart, you’re in my soul.

But now apart, no hand to hold.

I won’t forget the love you gave.

I still can feel it to this day.

I stand without you by my side, but know you’re watching from way up high.

We will meet again for this I’m sure because our love will last and endure.

Perhaps you sent a lovely card or sat quietly in a chair.

Perhaps you sent those beautiful flowers, that we saw sitting there.

Perhaps you spoke the kindest words, as any friend could say.

Perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us that day.

Whatever you did to console our hearts we thank you so much for whatever part.

Thank you to the Dr. Kennard Brown and The University of Tennessee Campus Police for their support. Special thanks to Methodist Home Health Alliance, Methodist Hospice, Methodist Health South, Methodist University, West Clinic and Dr. Sands from Methodist Teaching Practice for all the compassionate care for our loved one. A very special thank you to Linda Burchett and Center Chapel M.B. Church for your generosity during this difficult time.

~Honorary Pallbearers ~

Rodney Batts Brian Batts, Jr. Brian Batts, Sr. Brycen Batts Jerry Sallis, Jr.

~Active Pallbearers ~

Grandad

You’re thought about so often In loving memory, For you were all the special things A Grandad ought to be.

We’ve all missed you being here Since you went away.

But the happiness you brought us Is remembered every day.

So may you find a gentle peace In your eternal rest We’ll always love you, Grandad.

You really were the best.

We’ll Always Love You, Dad!

Aaron Batts John Batts Darryl Batts

Richard Greer Kenny Greer Timothy Jackson

Each day you strived to live, Your body too weak to be.

Your love will live forever, Since your heart has set you free.

Our lives have changed forever, Since the day you passed away.

In Heaven, you’ll be waiting To meet us again someday.

Jonathan Batts Justin Batts Justin Batts, II Rodney Tate, Jr. Brandon Batts

Jerome Woods Alfonso Batts Albert Jackson Larry Batts Cyrus Batts

New Park Cemetery 4536 Horn Lake Road Memphis, Tennessee 38109

Repast

624 Emerald View Way Memphis, Tennessee 38109

Memories we’ll hold so dearly, Your smile warmed our hearts And through our lives, you’ll live, You’ve touched so many parts.

You’ll be alone no longer, And you’d tell us, “Don’t be sad.”

Please believe, you were no burden We’ll always love you, Dad!

The Family

Committal Rites & Interment

Now you walk so bravely, You feel the pain no more.

Angel’s have come to guide you And bring you to Heaven’s door.

Hard days may be before us, It’s all apart of God’s plan.

Why you left so soon, We may never understand.

~

Distinctive Services by View Funeral Programs Through Your Mobile Device

3320 Millbranch Rd. Memphis, Tennessee 38116 901-452-7331 www.harrisonsfuneralhomeinc.com “There’s No Comparison To HARRISON” ~Since 1923~

901.351.0753 www.mysticalprinting.com info@mysticalprinting.com

CCelebration L

R eflections L R eflection of

ife

elebration of

Lt. Lonnie Batts, Jr., was born February 23, 1942, to his parents,

Saturday, September 15, 2018 11:00 A.M.

the late Lonnie Batts, Sr and Annie Mae Matthews Batts. He was the youngest of ten siblings. His parents and all but one sibling (Mary Batts Woods) precede him in death.

Center Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 3715 E. Shelby Dr. Memphis, Tennessee 38118

Lonnie grew up in Memphis and attended Maple Ave. Elementary and Geeter High School. As a young sports advocate, while living in the “Tate Town” community, he played in the semi-pro baseball league for the Tate Red Socks.

In 1961, Lonnie married Shirley Fleming and to this union, six children were born. In 1965, he moved his family to Chicago, Illinois in pursuit of a better job. He worked in the Kitchens of Sara Lee in Deerfield, Illinois for more than eight years. He worked his way up from lead-man to supervisor to an offer to manage a plant in another city. He turned the offer down to accept a position with the Chicago Board of Education at the Ferguson Child Parent Center as the coordinator and Community Organizer. While in Chicago, Lonnie attended Malcolm X College and served on the Board of Directors for the Chicago Commons Association Olivet Community Center and the Near North Development Corporation.

He was instrumental in organizing a committee to select a new principal for the Franklin Elementary School. Lonnie worked with and advised several gang members and was instrumental in helping them to get jobs and become productive citizens of the Near Northside of Chicago.

In 1971 he moved his family back to Memphis, Tennessee where he accepted a position at the University of Tennessee in security. During his years at U.T., Lonnie served on the Equity and Means Committee and worked at City Hall with Mayor Chandler. He also organized and managed nine baseball teams under the Youth Unlimited Program. Lonnie also owned and managed a security service designed especially for churches for over thirty years. As life progressed and he retired from U.T., Lonnie worked as a school crossing guard at Alcy Elementary. He loved the children so much that in the winter, he went out and purchased hats and gloves for the ones who were without. As much as he wanted to continue his job, his health would not allow it. Lonnie went home to be with the Lord on September 7, 2018.

He leaves a lifetime of love, memories, and knowledge to all who met him.

Lonnie will be missed by his wife of fifty-six years, Shirley Batts; six children, Rodney Batts, Norma Batts Sallis, Libby Tate (Rodney), Jonathan Batts (Tene), Justin Batts (Shawnese) and Brian Batts (Kela); twelve grandchildren, Andrea Batts, Kimberly Bearden (Errick), Rodney Tate, Jr., Raven Misher (Ryan), Jerry Sallis, Jr., Raven Henderson, Brian Batts, Jr, Justin Batts II, Brandon Batts, Ahjae’ Batts, Briana Batts and Brycen Batts; four great-grandchildren, Kyra Bearden, Amari Spates, Jamaya Tate and Errick Bearden, Jr.; Four sisters-in-laws, Gaudie Batts, Earnestine Batts, Linda Burchett, and Rita Smith; Two brother-in-laws, Perron Burchett and Glen Smith. He also leaves a play daughter, Trena “Treen” Burchett Tillman (Shannon) and host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

ife

Pasttor Nathaniel Craft ~Officiating~

Processional Scripture Reading:

Old Testament......................................................Pastor John Harris Old Nonconnah Church

New Testament..................................................Pastor Toney Hughes

Trinity Prayer and Faith Ministry

Prayer.................................................................Pastor Darnell Cunningham

Mt. Olive #2 MBC

Musical Selection...................................................................................Choir

C

herished Memories

Expressions:

(Respectfully 2 Minutes, Please)

Perron Burchett- Family Alford Kimble- Community Chief Lue Ida Upchurch- Former University TN Campus Police Tony Payton- Church Henry Fondren- Friend Solo........................................................................................Kaiser Williams Acknowledgements.............................................................Shaquita Blaylock Reading of Obituary........................................................................Soft Music Musical Selection...................................................................................Choir Eulogy......................................................................Pastor Tommy Broadnax Recessional

*Remains will not be viewed following eulogy*

“I’m Still With You”

When you miss me, know that I’m with you in spirit, still loving and caring for you.

When you’re grieving, I’m beside you, in your hearts, in your thoughts, sending you much love, encouragement, affection, and strength to carry on with life.

Celebrate the life I lived and all the things I gave you.

Your wonderful memories of me Are the things that will comfort you and give you peace.

Please think of me as I think of youWith a heart so full of love.

Eternally Yours, Lonnie