FOLLY BEACH - Michael Rex Batchelor, 67, of Charleston SC, passed away suddenly on April 13, 2024, in Richlands, NC. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, April 21, 2024 at the Back Swamp Community Center.

Mr. Batchelor was born on May 21, 1956, to Leonard and Mary Dean Batchelor in Camp Lejeune, NC. He attended Richlands Elementary and High School.

He was a stellar student with an unquenchable curiosity for science, mechanics, photography, and all technology. He made his own film darkroom in the closet, assembled and programmed a digital computer at age 12, taught his younger brother Kenny the magic of chemistry using the recipe for gun powder, and communicated with Ham Radio enthusiasts around the country. It was impossible to find a subject in which he was not interested. "Ask Mike" became the family default to many questions, preceding Google by several decades.

Graduating from Richlands High School in 1974, he attended Duke University but soon developed what his beloved mother, Mary Dean, still jokingly refers to as "itchy feet". Michael joined the U.S. Navy and attended the challenging Navel Nuclear Power School. He then spent 6 years based in Charleston, SC and traveled the world while serving aboard both fast attack submarines and occasionally surface ships (or as he called them, "targets").

Honorably discharged in 1982, Michael initially worked in several nuclear power plant startups and subsequently spent time in Beaufort SC managing one of the Christian Science Radio station sites (similar to Voice of America).

Moving back to Charleston he wove his varied skill set including but not limited to computer programming (as described above) database design, instrumentation, electronics, and engineering, with his vision of automated manufacturing systems to develop a robust career consulting for a wide range of industries across the country beginning in 1991 until his death.  He was active in the local chapter of IEEE. He was passionate about his work and especially enjoyed mentoring his younger colleagues.

His most beloved and successful "mentoring project," was his daughter Sophie, who inherited his keen interest in philosophy.  Most important he instilled his values of independence and curiosity and was tireless in cultivating them. She remembers fondly sunrise picnics on the beach near their house and also being forced to do character building activities like yard work and reading all the classics.

Michael became a grandfather to Hazel in 2020 and Dexter in 2023. He was all in for this role and could often be found at eye level with the kids whenever they visited even if that meant laying on the floor to be part of their world. He was deeply invested in them and loved them immensely.

Despite his extensive travels he always returned to the Charleston area, firmly establishing a home for the rest of his years.

In 1993, he married Monica Molloy and they settled on Folly Beach. He maintained his Richlands roots, however, and they logged countless miles up Route 17, to spend time on the Batchelor Farm.  Although Sophie was his only "two-legged child", four Cockapoos; OlliePup, Mr Morgan, BoyGeorge and PaddyBoy were an endless source of exercise, company and most entertainment.  Two cats completed the household and ensured his connection to Richlands, because they transplanted themselves to the Beach "just to make sure" he kept track of their Kitty Kat Family who were still living on the Farm.

Michael was predeceased by his father Leonard and nephew Stephen. He is survived by his wife Monica, daughter Sophie (Alan), grandchildren Hazel and Dexter, mother Mary Dean, brother Kenny (Elena), nieces Amy (David), Kate (Kasim), and Jess.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Salvation Army.