Wilbert Henry "Joe" Batten Jr, age 78, of Clarkton, NC, passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at his home with his family by his side. Joe was born in Columbus County on February 27, 1943 to the late Wilbert Henry Batten and Ann Atkinson Batten. In addition to his parents, Joe is preceded in death by his wife; Joyce G. Batten.

He worked in site preparation in construction.  Joe was a member of White Marsh Baptist Church but also attended Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

Joe is survived by his two sons; Wilbert (Henry) Batten III (Heather) of Leland, NC and Mathew Pharr Batten of Dillon, SC, two brothers; Jerry Wayne Batten and Christopher Lee Batten (Mary Kate) both of Whiteville, a sister; Sandra Marie B. Godwin (Dave) of Thurman, NC, three Granddaughters; Logan Batten, Mary Cathryn Batten and Taylor Cribb, and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, February 27, 2022, at the McKenzie Mortuary Chapel at 2:00 pm.  Burial will follow at Nunnery Cemetery, Red Hill Rd., Clarkton.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 - 1:45 pm prior to the service.

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