Robert Waverly Batts

Born in Durham, NC, and raised in Alexandria, VA, Bob was a man of great faith, deep dedication, and service to his country. After graduating from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina in 1960, Bob was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army. He completed Airborne training at Fort Benning, GA, and was assigned to Ft. Knox, KY, followed by a 13 month tour in Korea. He returned to Ft. Benning to train with the 11th Air Assault Division (Experimental), which later became the 1st Calvary Division (Airborne).

In Jul, 1965, Bob deployed to Vietnam, we he commanded an Airborne Infantry Company. His bravery and leadership was evident as he served two additional tours in Vietnam. He was then stationed in Germany for four years, before returning to the United States in 1976, where he was assigned to Ft. Bragg, NC, and completed a distinguished 20 year military career. Bob’s service was recognized with numerous awards, including the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal (Two Oak Leaf Clusters), and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.

Bob was also a passionate volunteer. For over nine years, he dedicated his time to the USO at the Raleigh/Durham Airport, where he helped support service members and their families with warmth and generosity.

Later in life, Bob developed a love for playing golf, a passion he enjoyed immensely. Whether on the course with friends, or spending time with his family, golf brought him joy and allowed him to connect with others.

Bob was known for his generosity, compassion, humor, natural leadership, and unwavering faith. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend who touched the lives of everyone he encountered. His strength, wisdom, and kindness will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Dolores (Dee) Batts; children, Col. Robert Batts, Jr.(Georgianne), Barbara Ann Wood (Ray), Tammie Kelley, Michael Shemancik (Robin); grandchildren, Kendall LeRoy (Wesley), Greyson Kelley (Jessica), Rachel Leimback (John), Josh Batts, Sean West; and one great-granddaughter, Noelle LeRoy. In addition, he was blessed to find a brother, Paul Green, and sister, Lillian Yarborough, on July 22, 2017.

He was preceded in death by his adoptive parents, Inez and Garland Batts, and his birth parents, Mildred Benton and Frank Green.

A Celebration of Bob’s life was held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 12:00pm in the Chapel of Mitchell Funeral Home, Raleigh. Entombment with Military Honors followed in Raleigh Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, of to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, by using the links below, under donations.

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