Tommy Hewitt Batson Sr.

Tommy Hewitt Batson Sr. February 15, 1937 – March 3, 2025 Tommy “Tom” Hewitt Batson Sr., age 88, of Gadsden, Alabama, passed away on March 3, 2025. A funeral service will be held at 11am on Friday, March 7th, at The Etowah Memorial Chapel in Sardis City on Hwy 431, with David Humphrey officiating. Burial will follow at Rainbow Memorial Gardens. Etowah Memorial Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Dad was a graduate of the Trussville High School Class of 1955. He grew up in Tarrant City but found the love of his life, Joan Howard, in Pell City. They were married for 68 years at the time of mom’s passing. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War aboard the USS Ashtabula, a ship awarded eight Battle Stars for its service. Following his enlistment, dad returned home and built a career as a millwright at Gulf States Steel in Gadsden, where he worked for many years until his retirement. An avid outdoorsman, dad loved hunting, fishing, and swimming. He was well known for his annual Fourth of July flips at the family swimming pool. He and mom were dedicated churchgoers, cherishing their time with their church family and friends. Dad was a kind, respectable man with a deep love for nature—especially birdhouses, which he enjoyed building. Children in the neighborhood were always drawn to him, and he never met a stranger. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Dad was preceded in death by his parents, Dow and Oma Dee Batson, and his siblings: Gary, Margie (Hoyt), Colleen (Floyd), and Dow (Thelma) and his wife Joan Howard Batson. He is survived by his children: Tommy (Debbie) Batson, Cindy (Ken) Kirkland, Tim (Sandra) Batson, Terry Batson. He was blessed with seven grandchildren: Daphne (David) Humphrey, Kristin (Tim) Lane, Brock (Crystal) Batson, Mallory (Dennis) Brewer, Joshua (Emily) Batson, Caleb Batson, Brooke (Justin) Turner. Additionally, he had seven great-grandchildren: Addyson, Olivia, Brayden, Brodie, Matt, Jessica and Andrew, and six great-great-grandchildren, Moria, A.J., Brandon, Caroline, Lexie and Camden. Dad bravely faced an extended illness for many years with strength and resilience. Acknowledgements: The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Floyd E. “Tut” Fann Veterans Facility in Huntsville. A special thank you to the doctors, the hospice team led by Shelby, and the compassionate nurses and staff who provided attentive care during his time there. Also the caregivers with Gentiva Hospice working in Gadsden and the Visiting Angels - Miranda, Malina, Regina and Charlotte. We wouldn’t have made it without the love and support that you all! Provided us! The family will receive friends from 10am until the hour of service, 11am at Etowah Memorial Chapel on Friday, March 7th. Pallbearers will be Brock Batson, Brayden Batson, Josh Batson, Caleb Batson, Tim Lane, Matt Lane and Andrew Wright. Arrangements are entrusted to Etowah Memorial Chapel

Tommy Hewitt Batson Sr.

February 15, 1937 - March 3, 2025