Funeral services for John Paul Batson, 81, of Cornelia, were held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 5, at Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, with the Rev. Chris York and the Rev. James Gunn officiating. Burial followed in Yonah Memorial Gardens with military honors provided by Habersham County American Legion Post No. 84, Grant Reeves VFW Post No. 7720, Rabun County DAV Chapter No. 15 and the Georgia National Guard.

Mr. Batson died Saturday, March 3, 2012, at Habersham Medical Center following an extended illness.

Born March 31, 1930, in Demorest, he was a son of the late Cleve and Alice Forrester Batson. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Linda Gail Wooten Batson; brothers, Ray, Claude, Walter, Roy Lee, Charles, Robert, Henry Grady and J.C. Batson; and sisters, Lucille Cleveland and Katie Chambers.

Mr. Batson was a United States Army veteran having proudly served during the Korean Conflict. He was employed with the Batson family business and retired from Demorest Elementary. Mr. Batson was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include his daughter, Cindy Arrowood of Cornelia; sister, Mary Williams of Sevierville, Tenn.; brother, Doug Batson of Demorest; grandchildren, Melissa Arrowood Fiorenza and Miranda Arrowood; and one great-grandchild, Mason Ruark.

Those wishing to express online condolences to the Batson family may do so by visiting whitfieldfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest.

The Northeast Georgian

March 7, 2012