Bro. Rick Bateman, 76, of Greenwood, Arkansas passed away Wednesday, November 29, 2023 in Fort Smith. He was born August 26, 1947 in Fort Smith to Richard E. and Emma Rose (Crisp) Bateman. Rick was a retired Southern Baptist Minister, U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, member of Greenwood First Baptist Church, Disabled American Veterans and the Harris-Hannah V.F.W. Post #6527. Rick served two years in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive. Being exposed to Agent Orange, he was a 100% disabled veteran.
Rick attended Northside High School, graduated Westark Jr. College with an associate degree in 1975, and then graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor Degree in Marketing in 1977. He surrendered and accepted the call to ministry in 1982, serving his commission at New Hope Baptist Church in Greenwood. After becoming ordained, he pastored seven churches in Oklahoma and Arkansas. During his ministry, he volunteered and served in Manaus, Brazil and Mexico. He pastored the largest multi-racial church in Oklahoma. He loved working among the members of the First Baptist Church in Hominy, Oklahoma and the Osage Indian Tribe.
He is survived by his wife, Patty Jo Bateman; one son, Ricky Joe Bateman and wife, Emily of Greenwood; one daughter, Angie Miller and husband, Doug of Greenwood; one sister, Candi Holmes and husband, Mark of Omaha, Arkansas; two grandchildren, Jillian Elmore and husband, Hunter and Madeline Bateman and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m., Monday, December 4 at Greenwood First Baptist Church with burial at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood. Viewing and visitation with the family will be Sunday from 2 – 5 p.m. at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Scott Synoground, Blaine Gilliam, Kyle Gilliam, Jeff Sharum, Hunter Elmore and Trey Merreighn. Honorary pallbearers will be all past members of the churches where Bro. Rick pastored.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Acts 1:8 Missions in c/o Greenwood First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 635, Greenwood, AR 72936.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit www.mcconnellfh.com.
