William Cleveland Batey

William Cleveland “Billy” Batey, 76, passed away at his home February 4, 2023. Billy was a lifelong resident of Donelson and attended Donelson High School. At the age of 18, he followed his sense of duty, left school and joined the Army during the height of the Vietnam War. He quickly rose to the rank of sergeant and served one tour in Vietnam where he led a mine sweep team. After serving his country, Billy returned home to his family and went to work with his father at the family moving company. He eventually chose a career as a truck driver where he was able to visit every state except Alaska (and Hawaii but he spent some R&R time there while in the Army). He thoroughly enjoyed being on the road and only quit when he was forced to due to health reasons. After retirement, if you couldn’t find him at home, it was a pretty safe bet he was on a boat with a line in the water somewhere. He was a stickler about a clean truck and he had the best looking lawn in the neighborhood. Billy never left the house without every hair in place (unless he was wearing his cowboy hat) a hard crease in his jeans and his boots polished. He regularly donated to causes and charities that he believed in.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William Norwood and Della Batey. Billy is survived by his sister, Pat Johnson, his daughter, Nicole McGee (Sam), his son, Cody Batey (Sherry), his grandsons Austin & Colton McGee and Eli Thomas, a niece Kelli Sparks (Greg) and a nephew Tony Johnson.

Gathering of family and friends Thursday February 16th 2023 from 11:00am until 12:00 noon at Hibbett and Hailey Funeral Home. Graveside service with Military Honors will be held at 1:00pm Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery 7931 McCory Lane Nashville, TN 37221.