SAVANNAH, Ga. - Joseph Hayward Bateman, Jr. died March 19, 2010 under the care of Hospice at Spanish Oaks Retreat in Savannah following a lengthy illness. He was the son of J. Hayward Bateman and Mina Ruth Bateman. He was a graduate of Richmond Academy and attended Stetson University. At Richmond Academy he was a sprinter on an outstanding track team. His records held for several decades. He moved from Augusta to Savannah several years ago to be near his sister. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Augusta, where he served as an usher and had not missed a Sunday in over forty years. He had a jovial disposition, excelled at ballroom dancing, was an avid sportsman, and a true friend to many. He served for four years in combat as a T/Sgt with the 34th Infantry Division and participated in the invasion of North Africa and Italy. He received many honors in combat including the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. He is survived by his sister of Savannah, Georgia, Alsie Imor Bateman Rabun (Mrs. John B. Rabun), a nephew John B. Rabun, Jr. of Fairfax, Virginia, a grandnephew, John C. Rabun of Woodstock, GA and Grandniece Kristin Rabun Dean of Atlanta, GA. Graveside Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, March 22, 2010 in the cemetery of the historic Botsford Baptist Church in Burke County where his parents are interred. The Reverend Wayne Dixon will officiate. His cousins will serve as pallbearers. Memorials may be given to First Baptist Church of Augusta, 3500 Walton Way, Augusta , Georgia 30909 or to Botsford Baptist Church, 825 Botsford Church Road, Waynesboro, Georgia, 30830-5215. Please sign our on-line guest book at www.joineranderson.com . Joiner-Anderson-Saxon Funeral Home, 220 East 6th Street, Waynesboro, Georgia 30830 (770) 554-7999. Sign the guestbook at AugustaChronicle.com
The Augusta Chronicle-March 22, 2010
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