Joseph "Joe" Clyde Batts, age 68, of Wallace passed away Sunday, May 24, 2009 at his residence.

Mr. Batts was born December 16, 1940 in Duplin County and was the son of the late Wayne and Rosavel Carter Batts. He was also predeceased by his brother, Winford Batts; sisters, Geneva Smith and Eunice Gurganious and sons-in-law, Richard Laughter and Jerry Watson.

He is survived by his loving companion of thirteen years, Janice Swain and their faithful canine, Tiny; his daughters, Kay Laughter and Gail Watson, both of Wallace; grandchildren, Ricky Laughter, Timmy Laughter, Stephanie Laughter and Justin Watson; great grandchildren, Brianna Laughter and Ian Davis; brothers, Horace Batts and wife, Wilma of Beulaville and Royce Batts and wife, Brenda of Raleigh; sisters, Arlene Price and late husband, Emory of Jacksonville, Shelby Boone and late husband, Hurbert of Rose Hill, Carolyn Davis Nave and late husband, George of Spartanburg, SC, Pat Mobley and husband, Allen of Surf City and Gloria Raynor and husband, Ronnie of Fountaintown and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Joe worked at JP Stevens for many years and also worked as Millwright with Daniels, Mundy's and Edwards. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters and special friend, PeeWee. He attended Bethel Wesleyan Church where he enjoyed cooking breakfast with his special church family.

Funeral service will be 3:00 pm Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel with the Reverend Henry Cavenaugh and Mr. Frank Murray, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Rockfish Memorial Cemetery.

Casketbearers will be PeeWee Hill, Mike Eaton, Chris Mobley, Tom Batts, Shelton Batts and Wayne Lee Batts.

Honorary Casketbearers will be Chris Hill, Sammy Cavenaugh, Johnny Cameron and Glenwood Sanderson.

The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 pm Tuesday at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home, Wallace and other times at Mr. Batts residence.