Joseph Sanford Batten

Joseph S. Batten of Carrollton, VA went to his heavenly home on May 11, 2024 at the age of 82. He leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife and best friend, Brenda, of 60 years; children, Beth Oakes and Jeff Batten, his wife Tiffany of Carrollton, VA; “adopted son” Scott Joyce of Newport News, VA; sister Mary Crocker; two sisters-in-law Norma Winborne and Patsy Woodard. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law and friend, Todd Oakes; his sisters and their husbands, Mattie and Lee Taylor and Hilda and Marshall Metts; brothers-in-law, Floyd Crocker, Jimmy Winborne and Thomas Woodard; brothers-in-law and sisters-in law, James and Sally Whitley, Charles and Theresa Woodard; nephew, Terry Metts; cousin, James Ballance; and lifelong friend, Bill Littleton. He also leaves to cherish his memory many nieces and nephews, Tony Metts, Missy Mettle (John), Kathy and Donn Benson, Hillary Linhart (Kenny), Hannah Cooper, Carrie Benson, Debbie Taylor, India Winborne, Greg Winborne (Donna), Roger Whitley (Les), Malisha Bissette (Warren), Ben Woodard (Jennifer), and many more great great nieces and nephews; cousins, Geraldine, Andy, and Wendy Woodard, Tim and Denise Ballance, and Amy Walker and family; brothers of the heart, Paul Byrum and Ernie Reid.

He was born on a farm in Kenly, NC to Silas and Alma Ballance Batten. He had a strong work ethic, was a jack of all trades, loved animals and was a no-nonsense kind of guy.  He helped people in need, whether family, friend or stranger.  He enjoyed UNC basketball, NASCAR, hunting, fishing and gardening. 

He retired from Newport News Shipbuilding after 39 years as a supervisor in X15. After retirement he enjoyed working on small engines, rebuilding lawnmowers and traveling. He never met a stranger and always had a quick wit and a good joke to tell. If he was in a room there was always laughter.

In lieu of flowers, Expressions of Love may be made to your local Animal Shelter or by taking your family out for a good meal, in honor of Joe. There was nothing he enjoyed more.

A visitation will be held at Little's Funeral Home, Smithfield, VA on May 16, 2024 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. also at Little's Funeral Home, with the interment immediately following the funeral service at St. Luke’s Memorial Park Cemetery in Smithfield, VA.