Gary Lowell Batty

Gary Lowell Batty, 77, peacefully passed away on December 25, 2023, in Saint Johns, FL after a sudden illness. He’s predeceased by his parents, Lowell & Lillian Batty; sister, Jane Neff & niece, Julie Benson. Gary is survived by his wife, Sylvia Batty; son Gregory (Heidi) Batty & grandsons Griffin & Hendrik Batty; brothers-in-law John McEachran (Pamela) & LaVern Neff; nephew Jeffrey (Beth) Benson.

Gary was born in Rockford, IL & grew up in Cherry Valley, IL. He was a member of the first graduating class of Guilford High School in 1964, graduated Bradley University in January 1969 with a BS in Business Administration, entered the U.S. Army & graduated from Engineering Officer Candidate School in August 1969. He married Sylvia McEachran in December 1969. He served in the U.S. Army for 3 ½ years attaining the rank of Captain & was honorably discharged in 1972. He & Sylvia returned to the Rockford area where Gary worked at Rockford Products for 11 ½ years. Son, Gregory, was born in June 1978. In December 1983 he accepted the position of Executive Director of Stronghold Camp & Retreat Center near Oregon, IL where he worked through 2004. In January 2005 he accepted the position of Vice-President of Operations & Program at Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly in Hunt, TX. Gary retired in May 2012 & they relocated back to the Rockford, IL area. During his retirement he became an associate of Run River Enterprises, a consulting firm working with religiously affiliated camps, retreat centers & conference centers in 2013. He also enjoyed working part-time at Crimson Ridge. Gary loved the work he did as he considered it his calling. He so enjoyed the people with whom he interacted & met so many special individuals throughout the years.

Gary was involved in many organizations:

Member of the Presbyterian Church Camp & Conference Associates since 1984, receiving the honor of Emeritus membership in 2012. He served on the board 2 times along with 2 terms as President.

Member of the Consultants Network from 1999 until it was disbanded in 2015.

Member of the Stony Point Center Governing Board (NY), a ministry of the Presbyterian Church (USA), for 9 years & served as President for 5 years.

He enjoyed reading & golfing with his son & with his friends. He loved spending time at their family cottage in the U.P. of Michigan on Gulliver Lake. Most of all he treasured his time with his family & thoroughly enjoyed his grandsons.

He was loved by all his family, friends & business associates & will be dearly missed. May God hold you lovingly in his embrace. God Bless you until we meet again.

Services will be held on Tuesday, February 13th, 2024, 11am, at Palms Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville Beach, FL. In lieu of flowers, Memorial to the family for contribution to an organization of importance to Gary.