John Wainwright Bateman

On Monday, March 24, 2025, John Wainwright (Wayne) Bateman, beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, slipped away peacefully into the embrace of His Father in Heaven after a lengthy battle with cancer and Chronic Kidney Disease.
Born in Sylvester, Ga., on December 23, 1950, to Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Bateman (Jackie), Wayne graduated from Tift County High School, and attended the University of Georgia, earning degrees in Political Science and Horticulture. He spent a semester at Bodenseehof Bible College in Germany. Later, he established a landscaping business, Bateman Seaborn Landscape, and then Scott's Lawn Service, both of which operated in upstate South Carolina and thrived for many years. Although a UGA Bulldog by default, he celebrated any win the Clemson Tigers or USC Gamecocks brought home, which made him a favorite game day companion. His interests included landscaping, where he excelled, traveling, grabbing coffee with close friends, and preparing for his Journey Group, which met regularly at Panera, 6:30 a.m., every Wednesday morning.
Wayne's positive attitude, fun-loving spirit, and knack for telling funny stories remained to the end, and he was an inspiration of courage and perseverance for all who had the good pleasure of keeping his company. He loved his family, ice cream, and a good joke. His faith in God was an important part of his life, and he continually thanked Him for blessings too many to count.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Lynn Bateman; a sister, Mrs. Judy Shepura (Brian O'Brien), of Birmingham, Alabama; and a brother, Mr. Ronald Bateman (Melinda), of St. Simons, Georgia. His children are Mrs. Audrey Laney (Adam) of Johnson City, Tennessee, Mrs. Caroline Dalton (Jack) of Piedmont, South Carolina, Mr. Andrew Bateman (Beaty) of Columbia, South Carolina, and Mrs. Sarah Middleton (Tayler) of Greensboro, North Carolina. His grandchildren are Elijah, Molly, and Hope Laney, Chloe, Stella and Jonah Dalton, Mattie, Bennett, Evy, and Mary Wright Bateman, and Alexia, Kailen, Chanelle, Ariyah, and Skylar Middleton. His nephews are Mr. Kenny and Mr. Alan Bateman, and Mr. Nathan and Mr. Lowell Shepura. His mother-in-law is Mrs. Mary Lou Rossi of Simpsonville, South Carolina.
A celebration of Wayne's remarkable life will be held at Mitchell Road Presbyterian Church on Saturday, April 12, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation preceding at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Curtis Dubose will officiate. Come join us as we honor this man who meant so much to so many. The family will be dressed in Easter colors, and invites everyone to join them in wearing like attire as a special way to celebrate Wayne's life.
Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Wayne with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Share A Memory".