Garland Frank Batten, age 86, of Whiteville, passed away at New Hanover Regional Medical Center on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.  Garland was born on March 2, 1939 in Columbus County to the late Graham F. Batten and Annie Mae Simmons Batten.  In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his 6 siblings and also his daughters; Teresa Settlemyre, Gwen Batten and Pam Ray.

Garland was a member at White Marsh Baptist Church where he served several years as a deacon.  He worked as a shipping operator at Federal Paper for over 50 years.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 69 years; Ester Simmons Batten of the home, Grandchildren; Crystal Tatum, Chase Ray, Sheena Settlemyre, Candice Millard and James Boyd, Great Grandchildren; Trey Tatum, Luke Bass, Layla Bass and several other Great Grandchildren, and several Great Great Grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at 11:00 am in McKenzie Mortuary Chapel.  Burial will follow in Columbus Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 – 10:45 am prior to the service.

McKenzie Mortuary, 112 Jefferson Street, Whiteville, NC is serving the Batten family.