Rev. Phillip Eugene 'Gene' Batson

Rev. Phillip Eugene "Gene" Batson, age 88, of Cleveland, passed away Thursday, March 6, 2014.
Born on November 18, 1925 in Habersham County, he was a son of the late Walter G. "Bobe" and Tabitha Woodall Batson. Before being called into the ministry, Rev. Batson was one of the first walking mailmen in the Cornelia area.
Rev. Batson was called into the ministry in 1954 and had been a pastor for 60 years. He ministered at Mud Creek Baptist Church, Good News Baptist Church, Stonepile Baptist Church, and Sunnyside Baptist Church in Westminister, SC. He was also a missionary in Mexico and had a radio broadcast on WCON for 25 years. Rev. Batson was a member of New Hope Baptist Church where he served as the Young Adults Sunday School teacher.
Rev. Batson served his country proudly in the United States Army during World War II. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart and active during the Southern Pacific and European Theaters.
In addition to his parents, Rev. Batson was also preceded in death by a son, Phil Batson, Jr., PhD; daughter, Vicky Batson Hicks; brothers, Everett, Cecil, Lloyd, J.A. and Royce Batson; sisters, Minnie Lee Carpenter, Betty Bell and infant, Irene Batson.
Survivors include wife of 66 years, Evelyn Loudermilk Batson of Cleveland; daughter, Cecilia Batson Rosenkrans of Cleveland; brother, James Duward Batson of Cornelia; grandchildren, Allyson Jones, Brandon Hicks, Heath Hicks, Jared Hicks, Mary Evelyn Silvia, Zach Batson and Nadia Batson; great grandchildren, Emilee Jones and Chase Hicks; four step great grandchildren and one step great-great grandchild.
Funeral services are 11:00 am Saturday, March 8, 2014, at the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart with Rev. Chris York officiating. Entombment will follow in Yonah Memorial Gardens with military honors provided by the Georgia National Guard.
The family will receive friends from 2-4 & 6-8 pm on Friday at the funeral home.
An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.