John Paul Batson

John Paul Batson, age 81, of Cornelia, Georgia, passed away on Saturday, March 3, 2012, at the Habersham Medical Center following an extended illness.

Mr. Batson was born on March 31, 1930, in Demorest, Georgia; a son of the late Cleve and Alice Forrester Batson. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Linda Gail Wooten Batson; brothers, Ray, Claude, Walter, Roy Lee, Charles, Robert, Henry Grady, and J.C. Batson; and sisters, Lucille Cleveland and Katie Chambers. Mr. Batson was a United States Army veteran having proudly served during the Korean Conflict. He was employed with the Batson family business and retired from Demorest Elementary. Mr. Batson was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include his daughter Cindy Arrowood, Cornelia, GA; sister, Mary Williams, Sevierville, TN; brother, Doug Batson, Demorest, GA; grandchildren, Melissa Arrowood Fiorenza and Miranda Arrowood; and one great-grandchild, Mason Ruark.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 5, 2012, at Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, Georgia, with Rev. Chris York and Rev. James Gunn officiating. Interment will follow in the Yonah Memorial Gardens with military honors provided by the Habersham County American Legion Post #84, the Grant Reeves VFW Post #7720, the Rabun County DAV Chapter #15, and the Georgia National Guard.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, March 4, 2012, at the funeral home.

Those wishing to express online condolences to the Batson family may do so by visiting www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, Georgia.

(706) 778-1700