Obituaries

Roland Hampton Batson

Photo of Roland Hampton Batson
Rowland Hampton "Dick" Batson, 88, of Arkadelphia went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, January 22, 2014. He was born on December 2, 1925, the son of the late Charles F. Batson, Senior and the late Rossie Billingsley Batson. Dick was a lifelong resident of Clark County, where he was as a lineman for the South Central Electric Cooperative for 44 years until his retirement in 1991. Dick served as elected official in Clark County for over 50 years. He served two years as a director on the Arkadelphia City Board and 48 years as a Justice of the Peace on the Clark County Quorum Court. His service on the Quorum Court continued after his retirement from the Court when he was appointed to fill out the remaining term of a member. Dick proudly served his country as an Army Staff Sergeant in the World War II, in France and Germany and in the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium as a part of the Big Red One First Infantry Division. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and the Bronze Star for his heroic service. He returned to Arkadelphia to complete his senior year of high school and his senior season on the Badger football team where he was a co-captain of the team as an all conference guard. Service to his community continued throughout his life as he served as a volunteer fireman of the Arkadelphia Fire Department for 30 years retiring as Assistant Chief in 1977. He was a trustee for Davidson Methodist Campground for over 40 years. Dick was a board member of the Central Arkansas Development Council for many years, and a member of Third Street Baptist Church. He was an assistant Scoutmaster and Scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts of America for over 15 years, being awarded the Silver Beaver distinction and most recently the Good Scout Award in 2011. He was very proud that all three of his sons earned their Eagle Scout. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Charles F. "Doc" Batson and Paul Batson; and one sister, Mary Betty Agar Hoseman. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Arnold Batson; his sons, Mark Batson (Kathy), Ross Batson (Lisa), and Blake Batson (Jill); five grandchildren, Jerod Batson (Kyla), Chris Batson (Leanne), Tyler Batson, Cabb Batson, and Blaise Batson; and five great-grandchildren, Gunner, Shooter, and Archer Batson; Katie Jo and Cooper Batson; nephews Charles Batson and "Sonny" Agar, niece Rachel Batson Arrington, and many other family and friends. The family will be at the home of Blake and Jill Batson. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, January 25 at Third Street Baptist Church in Arkadelphia. Visitation will be Friday evening from 6-8 pm at the Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Davidson Campground, c/o Austin Wingfield, 1035 Pine St., Arkadelphia, Ark. 71923. Sign the online registry at www.ruggleswilcox.com.

Published January 24, 2014

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