Raymond Dean Bateman

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Raymond Dean Bateman. Ray passed away on November 16th, gently in his sleep in his home where he resided for over thirty years. He had recently celebrated his ninety fifth birthday on October 27th with his family.

Ray grew up in Winston Salem, N.C. where he graduated from R.J. Reynolds High School. He immediately enlisted in the Army upon graduation and spent a tour of duty in Italy and Trieste. Honorably discharged, he returned to the States, where he married Mary E. Cunningham in 1949 and attended the University of North Carolina, graduating in 1953. He started work in Winston Salem as a salesman for the Kelloggs Company. He worked his way up the corporate ladder, having become a district manager in Greenville and Raleigh, then a division manager in Atlanta. Ultimately, he became the national sales manager for the entire company and moved to Battle Creek, Michigan. He served on the Board of Directors of Mrs. Smith’s Food Company when they were acquired by Kelloggs.

Ray loved his golf and played in courses all across the globe. He was a golden glove boxer, a past president of Sertoma Club and an MP in the Army. He loved his large yard, and he raised roses, bringing many bouquets to people in hospitals. He was a member of the Home Moravian Church in Winston Salem and attended Aldersgate Methodist in Greenville. He had a personality that knew no strangers and would make lasting friends wherever he lived. He was, apparently, a latter-day Beau Brummel as he was constantly aware of his appearance. The trait served him well as he became renowned in his service days for having the neatest uniform in his company. That effort gained favor with the top brass, and he spent much of his time on the golf course as caddy for the commanding officer in Lido.

Shortly after the death of Mary, he was involved in a serious traffic accident which caused many to question whether he would ever fully recover. However, his strength of determination and force of personality allowed him to continue to have a normal life. Once, while he was hospitalized, he requested his daughter-in-law bring him some hair products. In the hospital gift shop, she bought shampoo and conditioner which he rejected and requested that she bring his preferred brand from home. This was all the while that his ear was nearly severed and he was suffering from serious head injuries.

Ray is survived by his son Bruce Randolph Bateman, Daughter-in-Law Victoria Bateman, Grand-daughter Mary Lindsey Bateman, Son-in-law Andrew Sims, and Great Grand-daughter Lochlyn Sinclair Sims. In 2003 Ray married Pauline (Polly) E. Navarro, two days after Ray passed he and Polly would have celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. Polly has three sons and daughters-in-law, eight grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. Ray spent his last years in the caring company of Polly, preceded by many years of travel. Ray enjoyed ocean cruises.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, any acknowledgements be sent to Home Moravian Church in Winston-Salem or Aldersgate Methodist in Greenville. Services will commence Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at Mackey Mortuary’s Century Drive location at 11 AM, with burial to follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mackeycenturydrive.com for the Bateman family.