Bervel T. Bateman Jr.

Bervel T. Bateman Jr., 96, passed away on Saturday September 17, 2011 peacefully in his home. He was born on June 3, 1915 in Princess Anne County. He was the son of the late Bervel T. Bateman, Sr. and Florence Sandler Bateman. In loving memory, he is predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Virginia Williams Bateman, and son, Bervel Timothy Bateman III. He leaves behind his loving family , daughter-in-law, Charleene Bateman of Virginia Beach, VA; grandsons, Bradford Leigh Bateman and wife Jennifer, and William Garner Bateman and wife Nicole; five great grandchildren, Garner, Brandon, Madeline, Julie and Anderson. Mr. Bateman was a faithful member of Spurgeon Memorial Baptist Church. He served his country in the US Navy during World War II. Following his discharge he took over his father’s grocery store and spent twenty three years as an independent grocer. A highlight of his career came on May 1, 1952 when he joined Owens Masonic Lodge No. 164. He advanced through the Chairs and ultimately became Master of the Lodge. He never missed a meeting in over twenty years and trained numerous Lodge members. He was awarded a Life member in Perpetuity. In 1960 he sold his grocery business and went to work in Civil Service at the Naval Regional Finance Center until retirement at age 67. Retirement didn’t slow him down. For the next twenty years he delivered payroll checks to the Longshoremen’s Union Members in Norfolk and Newport News. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Spurgeon Memorial Baptist Church, 5520 Tidewater Drive. Norfolk, VA 23509. (757) 622-8672 or The Scholarship Fund of the Owens Lodge No. 164, Norfolk Masonic Temple,7001 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23505 You may pay your condolences at: www.smithandwilliamsnorfolk.com Arrangements under the direction of Smith & Williams Funeral Home, Norfolk, VA.