William E. “Bill” Batson went home to be with his Lord on December 18, 2018 in Asheville, NC after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Bill was born in Brevard, NC on August 9, 1938 to the late UG and Marie Batson. Bill graduated from Brevard High School in 1956 and went on to study Business Administration at Berea College, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in 1960.
After college, he enlisted in the US Army Reserves where if called, he was ready to serve. Following this time, Bill moved to Raleigh, NC where he met the love of his life, Claudette Quinn. They were married in June of 1968 and were very active young business leaders in the Triad area.
It was in Raleigh, NC where Bill’s professional career began. Bill was employed by Carolina Power and Light Company where he had many roles through the years. The longest of which was as manager of the Skyland branch office.
Bill was a dedicated employee for over 40 years. CP&L took Bill and Claudette to the towns of Henderson, NC and Goldsboro, NC before moving to the mountains of Western North Carolina. Bill and Claudette were proud to call Asheville home and to raise their family in such a strong community.
Bill had a strong faith and a true servant’s heart. A dedicated member of Biltmore Baptist Church for over 40 years, Bill lovingly gave of his time and energy in any way he knew how. He had a passion for the outreach ministry, served as a deacon, worked within numerous committees, and used his God given voice singing in the choir.
He loved the music ministry at Biltmore Baptist Church, and especially loved participating in the Christmas Cantata every year. He even spoke of this during his last days on earth. Many did not know, but Bill was an incredible piano player and could play most anything by ear.
This was a fond memory for his daughters growing up and they will remember the music that often filled their childhood home. Bill was very involved in his community. Whether he was volunteering in local schools where his girls attended, helping with youth league sports, or going the extra mile for the employees of CP&L under his leadership, Bill cared deeply for others and was always there to lend a helping hand.
Bill dedicated many years to the South Buncombe Kiwanis Club, where he was elected Lieutenant Governor for a term in the late 1980s. He was committed to all the Kiwanis encompassed and lived out its mission through his daily life. His dry sense of humor and wit were truly unique and brought joy to all that knew him.
Even in the midst of the many struggles of Parkinson’s, Bill could almost always find a way to shine light on any situation. He was insightful and meticulous in the many details of life. He cherished the mountains of WNC and loved to explore its beauty on foot through the many trails of our local forests.
He could also be found on the tennis courts or “just piddling” in his yard. His perfectionism was easily reflected in his immaculate yard and ultra neat garage. Bill was an enthusiastic and loyal Tarheel basketball fan.
He could be known to pout for days over a loss, but would also boast for days over a big win. He made sure all those around him knew of these victories – especially Duke fans. Bill is preceded in death in 1996 by his loving wife Claudette after 28 years of marriage.
He is also preceded in death by his parents UG and Marie Batson. He is survived by a sister, Doris Houck of Pisgah Forest, NC. We know Bill will forever watch over his loving family – daughters Cindy Barker (Franklin, TN) and Kelly Hemphill (Arden, NC) and their devoted husbands, Chris Barker and Mark Hemphill.
He was blessed with 7 grandchildren; Cameron (20) and Coleman(17) Barker; Caroline (18), Ben (15), Brooks (10), Anna Claire (8), and his “sweet thing,” Elizabeth Mae (1) Hemphill. Each witnessed his loving and courageous spirit and were proud to call him “Papa”. They are sure to carry on his legacy, each in their own special way.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff of Wood Assisted Living at Givens Estate, and to the team of Four Seasons Hospice, who cared so compassionately for Bill throughout this process. You have made your mark on our lives and we will forever be grateful. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Friday in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian.
Interment will follow in Calvary Episcopal Churchyard. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, www.
michaeljfox.org. Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.
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