John Adin Batson, 66, a native of Manhattan, New York, a resident of Birmingham, formerly of Florence, passed away June 25, 2016. He was a 1968 graduate of Coffee High School. He began his broadcast career at WOWL-TV December 1968 – September 1969 as an intern and went on to WMSL 48 Huntsville, AL September 1969 – December 1976, Alabama Public Television January 1977 – July 1979, WDBB Tuscaloosa, July 1984, WTTO – Birmingham 1991. He began a long career with Sinclair Broadcast Group from 1994 – present. John was Chief Engineer, Head Corporate Engineer, and RF Manager. These were all jobs he truly loved. He respected all he worked with and said he had the best career doing what he loved.
Visitation will be Tuesday, June 28, 2016 from 1 – 3 p.m. at Greenview Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 3 p.m. in Greenview Memorial Chapel with Pastor Bobby Gourley officiating. Burial will follow in Greenview Memorial Park.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Muriel Coonan Batson.
He is survived by sisters, Elizabeth Batson Goetz (Hendrik) of New York, Mary Ellen Batson Dailey of Florence, Bridget Batson Kindahl (Shawn) of Florence; brothers, Edward Batson of Murfreesboro, TN, Adin Batson (Jean) of Florence, David Batson of Huntsville; and ten nieces and nephews.
Active pallbearers will include: David DuBose, Tim Costley, Lester Crane, Shawn Kindahl, Ryan Kindahl, and James Dailey.
David Dubose, Jr. will serve as honorary pallbearer.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Robert Webb, Norma Davis, RN, Cynthia Rollins, RN, and Lisa Chandler.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of the Shoals.
