Donald R. Batson

A lifelong resident of Greenville, SC, Don was born to Jones William Batson and Thelma Hill Batson. Don was the youngest of 3, with older siblings Norma and Marshall. He had a happy childhood growing up on Lester Avenue and later Donnybrook Avenue, where he played ball with the neighborhood children, and helped his parents raise chickens in the backyard. As an adolescent, he played football and baseball.

Don attended Parker High School, and graduated in 1953. He was voted “Most Intelligent” in his Senior Class. His yearbook description reads “successful… a handsome boy… interested in girls.”

Don received a full academic scholarship to attend Furman University. At age 20, Don proposed to his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Campbell, with a ring hidden in a box of chocolate-covered cherries on Christmas Eve. They were married in September, 1956, and Don graduated Furman with a degree in Business Economics in 1957. Don served in the National Guard from 1955-1957, with training in Fort McClellan, Alabama.

Don’s first corporate job out of college was with Cryovac, a division of W.R. Grace (now Sealed Air Corp.). He went on to become an integral part of the company’s leadership for the next 38 years, and enjoyed extensive work-related travel, including Switzerland, France, Puerto Rico, and all over the US. He retired at age 59 ½ in 1994 as Director of Sales Services. In retirement, he and Carolyn would travel to Hawaii, Alaska, and all around the United States, often visiting their children and grandchildren, or following the Paladin football team.

Don and Carolyn started their married life together on Darlington Avenue, where they welcomed their first child, Kyle, in Dec. 1957. After moving to Derwood Circle, Kevin joined in 1960 and Kelley in 1966. In 1967, Don and Carolyn moved to the house they designed and built at the foot of Paris Mountain. The family enjoyed wonderful memories in that beautiful space for 53 years, which happened to be just down the road from Don’s parents.

Don was always involved in his church. Growing up in Sans Souci Baptist, he went on to become a deacon, R.A. leader, choir tour chaperone, and was a bass in the Adult Choir beginning at age 17. As a father, he led by example, and instilled in his children God’s love and a sense of service and duty. Don and Carolyn later became members of Berea First Baptist, Daybreak Church, and finally Taylors First Baptist.

An avid sports fan, Don enjoyed a life of golfing with his buddies, bowling leagues and working out at the gym. Just 10 years ago at age 77, he shot a Double Eagle on a Par 5, and enjoyed many holes-in-one throughout his life. He held season tickets to Furman’s football and basketball games for decades and was a proud member of the Paladin Club. If there were sports on TV, he was watching them!

After Don’s wife Carolyn passed away in 2017, he married Lisa Gahm, an old friend from Cryovac with whom he reconnected through church. He and Lisa enjoyed a wonderful 4 years together in their new home in Fountain Inn, where they hosted the entire family on many occasions. He was so happy for her love and companionship, and the family will always be grateful for the gracious care she has shown Don these last few months.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Jones and Thelma Batson, his brother, Marshall Batson (Susan) of Ellicott City, MD, his sister, Norma Pridmore (Charles), and his wife of 61 years, Carolyn Campbell Batson. Don is survived by his wife Lisa, 3 children, Robert Kyle Batson (Cindy) of Greer, SC, Donald Kevin Batson (Teresa) of Taylors, SC, and Kelley Batson Addison (Jeff) of Greenville, SC; his six grandchildren, Brandon Batson (Rachel) of Astoria, NY, Brett Batson of Charlotte, NC, Emma Batson Frazier (Eric) of Lyman, SC, Elisa Batson Plant (Chris) of Taylors, SC, Skyler Addison of Los Angeles, CA and Brycen Addison of Greenville, SC; and his 4 great-grandchildren, Oliver and Harrison Plant and Evie and Easton Frazier.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Worship Ministry at Taylors First Baptist Church at 200 W Main St. Taylors, SC 29687.

A funeral service for Donald will be held Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 12:30 PM in the worship center at Taylors First Baptist Church, 200 W Main St, Taylors, SC 29687 with a private burial to follow.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mackeycenturydrive.com for the Batson family.