Samuel Bateman

Samuel Wallace Bateman Jr., 87, of Kingsport, TN, passed away on Friday, May 20th, 2022 due to declining health related to the diagnosis of Lewy-Body Dementia diagnosed in 2019. Sam (Wallace to his family) was born on September 1934 in War, WV to the Late Samuel W. Bateman Sr. and Gladys Lorene Roland. At the age of 18, he enlisted for 4 years in the US Navy. Afterward, he enlisted in the US Air Force, after serving 21 years, he retired and moved to Kingsport, TN. In 1959, he married Shirley Jean Wright a War, WV hometown girl. They were married for 58 years until her passing in 2018. Left to Cherish his memories are his daughters, Lea Bateman, Lora Bateman, and Launa Bateman Williams all of Kingsport, TN; grandchildren, Tim (Holly) Williams of Mt. Carmel, TN, Bruce (Tori) Williams of Kingsport, TN, Mandy (Nathan) Strong of Kingsport, TN, Justin Hensley of Kingsport, TN, and Logan Giles of Kingsport, TN; great grandchildren, Lennon Williams, Piper Strong, Phoenix Strong, Aiden Hensley, and Violet Williams, who is on the way; sister, Betty Hicks of Caretta, WV; brother, Joe Bateman of Riverview, FL. He leaves and empty space in the hearts of his family and friends who were always entertained by his wild and crazy stories. Youd be hard pressed to find anyone with a bad word to say about him. He never met a stranger. Sam, Wallace, Dad, Papaw; we all hope you are out stomping through the woods and along the river banks, hanging out with Bigfoot, aliens, all the wild creatures. PS. Tell Bigfoot we said hello. Pallbearers will be notified by the family and will meet at the graveside. A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, May 25th, 2022 at 4pm at Old Kingsport Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the Bateman family.