Sam Wilson Batchelor, Jr.

Sam Wilson Batchelor, Jr., of Groesbeck, passed away at Providence Hospital in Waco, with his wife Janet with him, on Wednesday, October 29, 2014, at age 70. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 1, 2014, at Fort Parker Memorial Park, with Brother Richard Williams of the Church of Christ of Groesbeck officiating, and with a Military Honor Guard. Honorary Pallbearers will be Dr. George Massey, Harvey Vogel, Jack Lewis, Dr. Rick Bennett, Dr. Ennis Holmes, and Jeremy Batchelor. Sam was born August 9, 1944 to Sam Wilson Batchelor, Sr. and Marion (White) Batchelor in Mexia. He grew up in Irving, but spent his summers in Groesbeck with his grandparents, Willard and Nannie Batchelor. He played all sports but especially enjoyed baseball at Irving High School. After graduation, he attended Sam Houston, and later after his military discharge attended Navarro Jr. College. Sam served in U. S. Army from 1965 through 1967. He was a 100% disabled veteran with a Vietnam Service Medal with a bronze star. Less than 24 hours before returning from Vietnam, he received injuries, which along with his other Agent Orange exposure caused health problems all the rest of his life. Some years after returning from the service, Sam moved to the family ranch on the Thelma Road where he raised cattle. He also worked with Dr. George Massey at his vet clinic as a helper. He enjoyed working with all the animals and helping people with their animals. He dearly loved his own dog, “Biscuit.” And he also loved children, even handing money to strangers in the stores to buy candy. Sam enjoyed all sports on TV. Another thing Sam really enjoyed was history, especially the history of Limestone County. In January 2006, Sam met Janet Whittenburg when he pulled up in her driveway by accident. They became friends, with Janet seeing him through health ups and downs, while he resided many of the years in Greenview Nursing Home in Waco or the VA hospital. After he almost died in January 2011, Sam wanted them to get married right away. Sam and Janet were united in marriage at a large Valentine ceremony on February 14, 2011 on the courthouse steps in Waco. Janet was able to keep Sam at her home after their marriage for over two years, where he spent happy times with her and his “buddy”- his step grandson, Drew. As his health declined and he needed more nursing care, he moved back to Greenview for the remainder of his days. Sam was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents from Groesbeck, Willard and Nannie Batchelor; his father in November 2006 and his mother in May 2006; and his sister, Denise Batchelor in July 2009. He is survived by his wife, Janet Whittenburg-Batchelor of Groesbeck; step-daughters, Alana Richards and her son, Drew Williams of Groesbeck, and Kaylan Richards of Amarillo; mother-in-law, Charlotte Lee of Groesbeck; sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Jack Lewis of Irving; sister Frances Batchelor and her companion Eleanor of Dallas; daughter, Misty Michelle Batchelor Watson and her sons, James and Jacob Watson of Groesbeck; son and daughter-in-law, Jeremy Wilson Batchelor and wife Casey of Groesbeck, and their newborn son Jentry; cousins, Lynn Pippin and family and Randall Rand and family; and many other extended family, as well as many friends in the Groesbeck area and staff and friends at Greenview Nursing Home. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Alzhiemers Association or Disabled American Veterans.