Zack Batiste, Jr.

Zack Batiste, Jr., was born in Berwick, LA, on Oregon St., on July 16, 1947, to Elizabeth Craft Batiste and Zack Batiste Sr. (who preceded him). He attended both Baptist and Methodist Churches in Berwick, LA. He was baptized at a very young age at Little Zion Baptist Church, which was the church where his grandmother, Sarah Craft “Aunt Sarah” (who preceded him) was a member. In his adult life, he became a member of Mason United Methodist Church, where his sister Joyce Batiste Jordan (who preceded him), was a member, and took pride in being in the choir with his big sister. He attended Sumpter Williams High School and was very proud to play football as a running back.

Zack was a man of integrity and faith. As a professional truck driver, Zack traveled all over the United States, and he self-educated himself culturally and spiritually.

Zack was a man that was true to his word. Although his truth was surprising and difficult to hear at times, he said what he meant, and he meant what he said. Zack prided himself on passing his strong values and work ethic to his children.

Zack was a great storyteller. He loved meeting new people and having engaging, intellectual, and debatable conversations. If you had a conversation with Zack, you knew that conversation was long, he’d do all the talking, and yet you would walk away with a pleather of knowledge and increasing faith.

Zack moved to Mesquite, TX in 2009 to be closer to his children and grandchildren, and he eventually became a member of New World United Methodist Church, in Mesquite, TX. He enjoyed attending Bible studies on Thursdays with his “Brothers”, Sunday School, and Sunday Service. Special thanks to Mr. Bill Hindman and Mr. Charlie Conrad, who are members of his congregation and intentionally ensured he attended church and cared for him faithfully. Zack enjoyed playing cards and dominoes with his family, eating crawfish and crabs, watching his Dallas Cowboys, and cheering for the New Orleans Saints because “it was Joyce’s favorite team”.

Zack’s health began to decline in October 2023. Dr. Edward Panousieris, AKA “Dr.P”, was Zack’s primary doctor for 15 years and genuinely cared for Zack. Abundant thanks to “Dr.P”, and the entire ICU staff at Mesquite Specialty Hospital in Mesquite, TX that cared for him like family. So much in fact, that the chef eventually learned how to cook his grits. On Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 5:46 P.M., Zack was told “Job well done”, and he joined His Heavenly Father and his family that preceded him; His sisters: Christine Batiste and Joyce Batiste Jordan; His brothers: Rainey Batiste and Melvin Batiste; and His granddaughter: Tiffany Joy Batiste; Great-Granddaughter; Lauryn Renae Scallion; Great-Grandson, Darius Scallion;

Zack leaves to cherish his memories and legacy of His three daughters, Nevelyn Batiste-Ward (Eligha) of Red Oak TX, Tanisha Batiste of Plano, TX, and Marquetta Batiste of Fullerton, CA; His only son, Zack Batiste III (Dallas, TX); His six grandchildren: Brittany Dickerson, Erin Batiste, Alexis Batiste, Eligha Ward IV, Zack Batiste IV, and Tywuan Poe; His five great-grandchildren: Marley, Mason, Vanity, Aviana, and Aria; His two sisters: Lois Batiste and Diane Batiste-Gray, both of Patterson, LA; His three brothers; Matthew Batiste of Bayou Vista, LA, Mark Batiste (Janice) of St. Martinville, LA; Carl Batiste of Patterson, LA, along with a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, relatives and a host of friends.