A celebration of life service was held 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, at Scott United Methodist Church in Shelbyville for Burnice Batts. Visitation with the family was held from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday at the church.
The Service of Committal & Interment will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, at Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery in Pegram.
Mr. Batts was born on October 26, 1934, to the late John Henry Batts and Ethel Elmo Seay Batts. He entered into a peaceful rest on August 24, 2024, at NHC Nursing Home.
Burnice was born in Rutherford County and was educated in the Rutherford County Public School System. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1957. After returning home, he lived on the farm with his parents. He later moved to Shelbyville, where he met his wife, Rachel Easley. They fell in love and married on December 14, 1968. Burnice loved his family and was always there to support them.
Burnice was employed with Samsonite Inc. until the plant closed in 1997. His nickname there was “Bat Man” and that’s how he was known by all employees. After the plant closed, he started landscaping. He worked all over Shelbyville, keeping the yards looking good until his health failed him.
Burnice accepted Christ at Rockvale Original Church of God. At the time of his passing, he was a member of Scott United Methodist Church in Shelbyville. He was a faithful member until he was no longer able to attend. He loved the Lord and enjoyed talking and giving praise to Him.
In addition to his parents, Burnice was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Henry and Rebecca Batts; sisters, Lillian Murray, Odessa Murray and Gladys Smith; and brothers, Bishop John Willie Batts Sr., Robert Lee Batts and Floyd Batts.
Burnice leaves to rejoice in his memory, Rachel Batts, a devoted wife of 56 years; daughter, Sylvia (Harry) Braston; son, Tyrone Batten; grandchildren, LaTisha (Michael) Emery, LaToya Williams, Thaddeus Braston, Shaneka Batten and Erica (Daniel) Ford; greatgrandchildren, Tykeon Clark, Makenzie Bell, Katario Tucker, Areyia Mathers, Michael Hayworth, Indyia Emery, Eriyahl Ford, Daniel Ford Jr. and Bella Ford; and great-great grandchild, Pierce Smith; sisters, Argaither Leslie and Ella Mae Greer; brother, Melvin Batts; sisters-in-law, Sylvia Batts, Ella Louise Batts, Shirley Batts, Mary Frances Batts and Birdie Smith; brother-in-law, Hershal Brown; dear friend, Vernon Hume; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Scales Funeral Home in Murfreesboro is handling the arrangements.
