Steve Batson

Stephen Clarence Batson was born March 26, 1954, in Winter Haven, Florida, to Clarence James and Pauline Davis Batson. He passed away January 8, 2025, after a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer.
Steve, known to most people as Booger, was raised in Escambia Farms and attended Escambia Farms School for five years before transferring to Baker School where he was a member of the 1972 Baker High School graduating class.
After losing his mother at a very young age, Steve developed a close, unbreakable bond with his sisters, Debbie and Brenda, who have been by his side through this entire journey.
Steve had a love for the outdoors and grew up hunting and fishing with guys who became life-long friends. He later looked forward to Friday nights where he could be found dirt-track racing at Blackman Raceway. Steve was a skilled carpenter, long-haul truck driver, and previously employed with Fairchild Hiller and L3 Communications.
Steve's real passion was cooking, and he finally realized his dream when he opened Wagon Wheel BBQ on October 10, 2015. He was constantly amazed at the people who became regular customers and drove from almost every state imaginable to try his famous brisket, ribs, Brunswick stew and homemade sauces. Even after his cancer diagnosis forced him to close the restaurant, it wasn't uncommon for him to find cards and gifts left on the restaurant porch, from former customers that missed getting to visit with him when they were passing through, on the way to and from the beach.
Steve had a soft spot for the elderly and animals, and for almost 14 years his constant companions were his beloved dogs, Cotton and Izzy.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Pauline Batson, and Matryd Batson, sister, Susan Kelly, grandparents, Dennis and Mae Davis, and Milton and Arrie Batson, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Steve is survived by his son Coleman and Ami Batson, daughter Callie Jones, six grandchildren, Pixi, Victori, Stori, and Blue Batson, and Tristan and Bently Jones, all of Bainbridge, GA. Two sisters, Debbie and Doug Robbins of Choctaw Beach, and Brenda and Craig Otto of Miramar Beach, and brother-in-law, Jerry Kelly, a special aunt, Noma Motley, nieces, Deidra and Tony Rezzarday and Beth and Cedric Peterson, plus many cousins and numerous friends.
We'll sure miss his quick wit and funny stories, and the ability to remember so much about life and growing up in the small town that he loved so much. In the past three years, Steve has repeated this wish for his family and friends: Live for today because tomorrow isn't promised.
A time of visitation will be held Monday, January 13, 2025 from 12:30-2:00pm at Whitehurst-Powell Funeral Home with the funeral service starting at 2:00pm. Burial will follow at Cotton Cemetery.
Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in Crestview. Guest book and condolences are available online at www.whitehurstpowellfuneralhome.com
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