Johnny Brown Batts

Johnny Brown Batts, 77, of Greenville, North Carolina, passed away on February 21, 2026. Born on September 21, 1948, in Farmville, North Carolina, Johnny lived a life defined by hard work, deep devotion to family, and a heart that never met a stranger.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 25, at 1:00 p.m., at Parkers Chapel Church, followed by a service at 2:30 p.m. Arrangements are by Wilkerson Funeral Home & Crematory, Greenville, North Carolina.

Johnny spent his entire life rooted in Pitt County, where he built not only a career, but a reputation as a man who could always be counted on. He graduated from Winterville High School in 1968 and later took college courses at Pitt Community College. On November 30, 1968, he married his high school sweetheart, Gloria Medlin Batts, beginning a love story that spanned 57 beautiful years.

Johnny's work ethic was unwavering. In his early years, he farmed before serving as a Quality Control Supervisor with Weyerhaeuser, later working with One Source, and ultimately retiring as a Sergeant with the Pitt County Detention Center. Even in retirement, Johnny never stopped working or serving others, going on to work with Hardee Farms and later at Greenville Auto Auction, staying active and connected to the community he loved.

A member of Parkers Chapel Church, Johnny lived his faith through action. He could fix anything, would help anyone, and was known for giving the shirt off his back without hesitation. His contagious smile and unmistakable laugh could brighten any room.

Johnny loved life and the people in it. He loved the river and always had a boat, spending countless hours water skiing and enjoying time on the water. He cherished his Swan Point, Ballards Crossroads, and Scuffleton communities, where friendships ran deep and memories were made. Music was a lifelong joy. He loved playing the guitar, clogging, and singing with friends throughout the years.

Above all, Johnny loved his family fiercely. He was a devoted husband, a proud and supportive father, and a deeply loved Paw Paw. His daughters were everything to him, and he stood behind them in every season of life. Always present, always encouraging, always loving.

Johnny took great pride in his grandchildren and was deeply involved in their lives. Through time spent together talking, encouraging dreams, sharing laughter, and simply being present-he taught them by example what it means to be a loving husband, a devoted parent, and a person of integrity. His greatest legacy to his family is the way he loved: fiercely, faithfully, and unconditionally. That example will continue to guide generations to come.

Johnny showed his love in quiet, meaningful ways-blowing dry Gloria's hair every day, cooking on the grill, hosting pool parties when his girls were young, dancing with his wife (once with such enthusiasm that the floor gave way), and making sure his family always felt safe, cared for, and deeply loved.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Molly Batts and Lester Batts, and his brother, Jimmy Moore.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Gloria Medlin Batts; his daughters, Shannon Hodges of Farmville, North Carolina, and Crystal Cox of Greenville, North Carolina, and her husband Chris Cox; his grandchildren, Cody Batts, Lydia Hodges, and Christopher Cox, Jr.; his niece, Kelly Hardison and family; his brother, Harace Moore of Charlotte, NC; niece, Brett Thomas and her husband, David, her children, Autumn, Rivers, Charlie and Ryder; brothers-in-law, Jimmy Medlin and Jimmy Jean and their children; nieces, Michelle Phillips (husband, Jeff; children, Blake and family, Alexis, and Lexi), and Trina Baker (husband, Michael Baker, daughters, Brianna and Emma); along with many extended family members and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wilkerson Funeral Home in memoriam of Johnny Batts.

Johnny Batts will be remembered as a man who loved deeply, worked tirelessly, laughed freely, and gave generously. His legacy lives on through the family he adored, the lives he touched, and the example he set for all who knew him.