Dr. Mike Batson

Dr. Frank Oteri “Mike” Batson, Jr., beloved father, grandfather, and community leader, passed away on May 16 at the age of 84. Born on September 27, 1940, in Greenville, Mississippi, he was the son of the late Frank Oteri Batson and Hoyett Wheat Batson.  Funeral services will be Monday, May 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM at First Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Vaughn Stafford and Rev. Adam Garner officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM until the time of the service in Carolyn's Room of First Methodist Church. Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Mike grew up in Greenville before attending the University of Mississippi, where he was a proud member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. It was in Oxford, on a blind date at a dance on the Square, that he met the love of his life, Katherine “Kathy” Downing. After graduating from Ole Miss, he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Loyola University School of Dentistry in New Orleans.

Upon completing dental school, Dr. Batson served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Omaha, Nebraska. After his military service, he and Kathy settled in Columbus, Mississippi, where he established a successful dental practice and became deeply involved in the community.

An early civic endeavor that was especially meaningful to him was his service on the City Council, during which he played a key role in helping to establish the Columbus Public Library. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, and he took great pride in cooking and sharing the game he harvested. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited.

Faith was a cornerstone of Dr. Batson’s life. He was a dedicated member of First United Methodist Church of Columbus, where he served as a Trustee and on various committees including Lay Leadership and Staff Parish relations. He was a faithful member of the Ivy Sunday School Class and a regular participant in a men’s Bible study that was especially dear to him. He was also deeply involved in the Emmaus community, often serving on Emmaus walks and gatherings.

Dr. Batson was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathy Batson, and his parents. He is survived by his daughters, Megan Batson Sipes (Jim) of Charleston, SC, and Allyson Batson Amos (Marc) of Columbus, MS; and by his cherished granddaughters Sloan Amos, Mallory Amos Trafton (Mark), and Abby Amos. He is also survived by his nieces Mischa Marlowe, Melissa Sullivan, Amanda Arenderand nephews Rusty Goss and Lee Downing.

Dr. Mike Batson will be remembered for his kind heart, his unwavering faith, his service to others, and his deep love for his family and community.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, or to the donor’s favorite charity.