Surf City- Rudolph "Rudy" Batts, 94, passed away at his home on Thursday, December 3, 2020 with his family by his side.  He was born August 22, 1926 in Pender County a son to the late, Eugene and Bessie Midgett Batts.

A graveside service will be held Friday, December 11, 2020 at 2:00pm at the Batts Family Cemetery.

Rudolph faithfully served his country in the US Navy in the South Pacific during WWII.  He was a merchant and a commercial fisherman.  He loved to spend time with his family and friends.  At 94, he held a wealth of knowledge and loved sharing to those who asked.  A true water man, he loved the water and all it offered.  He loved oyster roasts and making music with his family & friends.  Rudy excelled at raising collards and corn- "The Best" he said.  He had extreme pride in his children and grandchildren and supported them all.  His wife, Rosie, was his "pearl."  Rudy believed a simple life was the best life.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Rosa Lea Ottaway Batts of the home; daughters, Bonnie Jarman (Russell) and Susan Adams both of Surf City; sons, John Batts (Mary), Christopher Batts (Stacy), and David Wayne Batts (Tanya) all of Surf City; fourteen grandchildren, twenty-six great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren; and a brother, Hugh Batts of Surf City.

He was preceded in death by brothers, Rufus, Eugene, Clifton, James, and Zennie; sisters, Sadie and Edna; and a great-great grandson, Zaiden.