Charles Ray Bateman Sr., 89, a resident of Clifton, went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Thursday, March 29, 2012, following a brief illness. He was born in Franklinton on Feb. 6, 1923 and was a U.S. Navy veteran, a highly skilled and sought after carpenter and a dairy farmer for 20 years. He was a longtime member of Bogue Chitto Baptist Church and taught a men’s Sunday school class for many years. He dearly loved his Lord, his church and his family.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Hilda Juanita Bateman of Franklinton; two sons, James Alexander Bateman of Independence and James Michael King of Franklinton; a daughter, Betty Jean Johnson of Homer; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Edward Carroll Bateman of Hammond.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Lamar Bateman and Alma Toney Bateman; a son, Charles Ray Bateman Jr.; two sisters, Miriam Bateman Johnson and Leo Bateman; five Brothers, Fred Bateman, Winfred Bateman, Joe Bateman, Lawrence Bateman and Greenlaw Bateman.
Visitation was held Saturday, March 31 at Crain Funeral Home from 10 a.m. until time for the funeral service at 1p.m. in the funeral home chapel, with Bro. Russell Kirkland and Bro. Jeremy Ingram officiating. Burial followed in Ellis Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Bogue Chitto Baptist Church.
Pallbearers were Terry Fortenberry, George Varnado, Perry Valliant, Paul Smith, Pat Williamson and Brad Williamson. Honorary pallbearers were the Men’s Sunday school Class of Bogue Chitto Baptist Church.
