Brax Hartness Batson

1923 - 2013

Brax Hartness Batson

Wiggins

Brax Hartness Batson passed away June 24, 2013, in his home, in Wiggins, Mississippi. Visitation will be at Moore Funeral Home in Wiggins, on Wednesday, June 26th, from 5 until 8 p.m. A graveside service and burial will be held at Thomas Price Memorial Cemetery in Wiggins, MS. at 10 a.m., on Thursday June 27th. Pallbearers will be any able bodied men available when Mr. Batson's handmade cedar casket is taken to his final resting place as per his request.

Mr. Batson was born in Poplarville, Mississippi, on November 14, 1923. He was raised in Wiggins, Hattiesburg and Petal but his home was always Stone County. Brax graduated from Petal High School in May, 1941, where he was Senior Class President and Salutatorian. Brax attended Mississippi State University from 1941 - 1942. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1943 and served 30 months, where he was a Flight Instructor in Advanced Pilot Training. Upon his return, Brax attended Auburn University where he received his degree in Agricultural Engineering in 1947. He was a Registered Professional Engineer in Mississippi and Alabama and was a partner and owner of Batson Engineering Service, Inc. and Batson and Brown Inc. He was President of the Mississippi Consulting Engineers Council in 1970. Brax retired professionally in 1997 but was always working on a project whether it be in his community, church or on his beloved family acreage.

Brax was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Ellen Barber Batson; his parents, Braxton Cheatham Batson and Sallie Hartness Batson; his sisters, Elizabeth Ann Batson Barber and Joyce Batson Watts.

He is survived by three daughters, Suellen Batson Morrison and husband James, Sally Batson Weller and husband Steve of Wiggins, Anne Batson of Vicksburg, Mississippi; one son, Braxton Scott Batson and daughter-in-law Norma McRaney Batson of Wiggins. He is also survived by his brother, Hubert Dale Batson and wife Elizabeth of Wiggins and brother-in-law, Spencer Barber of San Marcos, Texas. He is survived by ten grandchildren, Emily Batson Overstreet and husband Kreg, Braxton Chet Batson and wife Ashley, Katie Batson Ratcliff and husband Billy, Benjamin Scott Batson and wife Cara Gouldey, Cullen Joseph Stewart, William Wallace Morrison and wife Robyn, Martha Morrison Muehleisen and husband Alex, Katherine Ellen Setterstrom, Sarah Anne Setterstrom and Ariel Sophie Weller; nine great-grandchildren, Anna Katherine Overstreet, Ellen Kavanay Overstreet, Caroline Elizabeth Batson, Mary Grace Batson, Braxton Cade Batson, Jackson Payne Ratcliff, Callie Anne Ratcliff, Carstin Kathleen Morrison and Carlie Noelle Morrison; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Batson was a long time member of the First Baptist Church of Wiggins. He also served his community as a member of the Stone County Economic Development Foundation and was instrumental in the design and implementation of many projects in the Stone County Area that will be enjoyed by the community for generations to come.

One of Brax's favorite quotes was "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches." Those who carry his name will always carry it proudly. He brought great honor to those who came before him and those who he leaves behind will always be trying to live up to his good name.

The family requests that memorials be made to the charity that is near to your heart.

You may sign and view the guestbook at www.moorefuneralservices.com.