Edward Batchelor Jr.

Edward Batchelor aged 87 of Spring Texas passed peacefully from this life to his new home in heaven on April 7th, 2014. He was born 28th of December 1926 in Greenville North Carolina. As a boy, Ed was active in church, sports and all areas of the Boy Scout program where he became an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Greenville High School and then attended Oak Ridge Military Institute and Duke University prior to joining the Navy in the fall of 1945. In the spring of 1945 he received an appointment to enter West Point Military Academy. He graduated with the class of 1950 and later earned two Masters Degrees. He entered the United States Air Force and became a navigator. He flew B29s, B36s, and the B52 at a number of Strategic Air Command Bases. His crew was instrumental in the 11th Bomb Wing winning the Fairchild Trophy. The last fifteen years of his career were spent in Operations Plans, Intelligence, and Computer Support. He served at all levels of command. He was selected to introduce then Vice President Ford to the Nation’s Strategic Nuclear Plan. He received a number of medals including the Legion of Merit. On August 12th, 1951 he married his beloved wife Jannell Smith in Fort Worth Texas. They had 3 children Edward III, Charles Stuart, and Jannell Elizabeth. During the 30 years of their service in the military they lived in many homes from coast to coast. After his retirement in 1980 as a Colonel, he taught an off campus Master’s Degree program for the University of Southern California at military bases in the United States and abroad. He retired from this work in 1990. Since then he and Jan have lived in Oklahoma and Texas where both have been active in their church and community, Ed having taught Sunday school when needed and volunteering at the library. They were able to spend many wonderful years on Lake Norman North Carolina with family and friends. They enjoyed their yearly beach trip with all their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. They loved cheering on their grandchildren and great grandchildren in all their various activities. He will be remembered for his positive attitude as well as his devotion to and love of his God, family and country. A true southern gentleman who touched many lives and will be greatly missed. Survived by his wife of 62 years, 3 children, 2 daughter-in-laws, one son-in-law, 13 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, a beloved brother and sister and numerous nieces and nephews.

Edward Batchelor Jr.

April 7, 2014