William Thurman Batchelor

With Deepest Sympathy.

I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know until today, January 2 about his passing. I love ALL of you. With a heavy heart. sincerely Janice Thomas

Mrs. Batchelor, Bill and Family, so sorry for your loss. He will be remembered fondly in the school system and the community for all his years of service.

Mr. Batchelor was a fine principal for the students of Topsail High School as well as a kind and caring man. My thoughts and prayers are with the Batchelor family.

Dear Mrs. Batchelor and Little Bill,

I want you both to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Some of my earliest memories are of the Batchelors, who came to Hampstead one year before I was born. I grew up respecting Mr. and Mrs. Batchelor, not only as teachers and the Principal of 'the school' (there was only one then) but as neighbors who were always nice, considerate and kind to the little boy next door. As I grew up, I remember many experiences involving Mr. and Mrs. Batchelor and I remember well when 'Little Bill' was born and as I watched him grow up.

Mr. Batchelor was a respected member of the community and a good principal whose number one concern was for the discipline, safety and education of the students.

There are lots of us out here who remember very fondly our 'school days' at Topsail High School. We remember the coal pile, monkey bars, the cafeteria, the bells that would ring, the fire drills, the flag pole, the steam coming from the radiators and we remember that familiar voice of Mr. Batchelor addressing the student body over the intercom from his office.

The old school looks good today, and I know there are many of us who went there during Mr. Batchelor's tenue, who will, like me, always associate that building with fond memories of Mr. Batchelor.

With gratitude and deepest sympathy,

Mr. Batchelor epitomized the word "educator" and left a lasting impression with me. I was fortunate enough to call him my neighbor as a child and until we moved to Wilmington.The things that I remember the most about him were his great sense of humor and quick wit. He also deeply cared about his students and wanted to see all of them excel. The town of Hampstead was a better place for having him there as a long time resident and principal to almost every child and young person that grew up there during his tenure. Even as I grew older, he was always "Mr. Batchelor" to me and he earned the respect of everyone that came in contact with him. My deepest sympathies to Mrs. Batchelor, Bill and the whole family. I am very sorry for your loss and will keep you all in my thoughts at this difficult time.

Mr. Batchelor was my principal, Mrs. Batchelor my first grade teacher. They are fine people and exemplars in so many ways. Mr. Batchelor helped my Mom when she was transferring from Swansboro to Topsail and was generous and kind. My Senior class was the first at Topsail to have AP courses thanks to Mr. Batchelor and because of him, I started ASU with 12 college credit hours. His devotion to Education will not be forgotten. God Bless you Mrs. Batchelor and Bill. You have my prayers and love always.

O Captain! My Captain!

Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Batchelor and all the family. He was a kind man and an influence on all that he came in contact especially the students. This is from 2 of the Class of 1970 (Steve Edens and Debbie Batts Edens). God Bless You

Was sad to hear about Mr Batchelor. Prayers are with the family.

Peace and love to Mrs. Batchelor and family. Mr. Batchelor left a big footprint at Topsail High School. I can say truthfully that his influence and guidance along with that of my parents was the reason I pursued my academic goals later. The year that I began first grade was the first year that Mr. Batchelor was principal of Topsail High School and his presence all of our 12 years at Topsail was so special to my Class of 1964. I know that you all will hear his praise and similar stories but I want you to know that Mr. W. T. Batchelor was one great man in my humble estimation. He was the best and I have only the fondest memories of him and my years at Topsail High School.

Remembering fun family times with Uncle Bill as I grew up. Sending much love and healing blessings of comfort to Aunt Estelle and Bill and family. Susan and Ricky Knowles (Plymouth NC)