John A (Andy) Batson of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away peacefully at home on November 10th, one day shy of his 89th birthday. John Andy was survived by his wife of sixty-eight years, Eleanor May High Batson. He is also survived by his three loving children, Vickie Pond (Phillip), Betty Cash (Rick), and Andrew Batson (Kim), along with eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Benjamin Burt Batson (Sally) of South Carolina, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. John Andy grew up in Bessemer, Alabama, as the seventh of eight children born to Gene and Lilly Batson. He was a graduate of Ensley High School and a graduate of the University of Alabama where he obtained a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. A decorated Korean War Veteran, John Andy was awarded two Bronze Stars, the United Nations Korean Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and was proud to serve as captain of his company's Pistol team. After starting his career in advertising with General Mills, working in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Chester, England, John Andy went on to spend most of his career as a business entrepreneur in the Birmingham area where he owned retail franchise stores with Western Auto, Radio Shack, Otasco, and Ace Hardware. John Andy thrived while helping others. He kept up with everyone's successes, progress, and needs long before the advent of social media. He was always happy to help family and friends and was proud of the fact that all three of his children also graduated from the University of Alabama. The funeral will be held Sunday, November 15th, at 11:00AM in the Elmwood Chapel at Johns-Ridout's Mortuary: 800 Dennison Ave SW, Birmingham, AL 35211. Visitation is from 10:00AM-11:00AM. A Graveside military service will immediately follow the 11:00AM chapel service.
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