John Johnny Batten

1936 - 2016

BATTEN John Johnny Batten, age 80, of Lawtey, Florida passed away November 27, 2016 at Shands at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL. He was born in St. George, GA on July 29, 1936 to the late Silas Batten and Annie Jane Williams. Johnny has been a resident of Lawtey for the past 18 years after relocating from Jacksonville, FL. Following high school, Johnny joined the United States Army and served his country proudly for three years. He met the love of his life, Janet Cassidy, while in the military and they were happily married in 1955. Johnny was a loving husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed his longtime career as a steel worker for Bethlehem Steel in Jacksonville. After 20 years of dedicated service, Johnny retired and enjoyed some of his hobbies of playing his guitar, singing, and watching his favorite television programs; wrestling, NASCAR, and game shows. He was an avid Florida State football fan and cheered for all the Ford NASCAR drivers. Johnny was preceded in death by his loving wife of 46 years, Janet Cassidy Batten; his 3 brothers; 1 sister; and 2 granddaughters, Shane' Gowens and Ashleigh Batten. Johnny is survived by his loving children, Teresa (Ray) Griffin of Lawtey, FL, Dennis H. (Teresa) Batten of Carteret County, NC, and John Michael (Dawn) Batten of Lawtey, FL; his sister, Ereveene (Harvey) Gainey of Michigan; his 10 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and his longtime companion, Lynda Walker. A Celebration of Johnny's Life will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 12:00 pm at the First Baptist Church of St. George with Pastor Kenny Marr officiating. Interment will follow at Emmaus Cemetery in St. George, GA. The family will receive friends on Saturday an hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel Starke, Fl. 904-964-5757. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family's guest book.