William Ruffin Batchelor

On August 4, 2023, William Ruffin Batchelor, “Bill,” beloved husband, Dad, and Daddy B, died peacefully with his family by his side at Hock Family Pavilion at the age of 83. He was born on June 21, 1940, in Wilson, NC to Thomas Ruffin Batchelor and Mattie McCray Batchelor.

Bill received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Barton College (formerly Atlantic Christian College); a Master of Arts degree from East Carolina University; and a Doctor of Educational Administration degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While at Barton College, Bill was an active member of Sigma Pi fraternity, where he served as the chapter’s President. Bill began his career in education as a teacher in Nash County and Greene County. He then moved to the Durham school system where he was a Principal for over 36 years. After retiring from the school system, he spent more than 15 years at Measurement Incorporated providing educational assessment services to clients. He also worked with the Institute of Government to develop the Principal’s Executive Program at UNC-CH.

Bill loved playing golf with his closest friends and poker with the same poker group for 54 years. Additionally, Bill served on several boards throughout the community and was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 1998. Watching sports was a big part of Bill’s life whether it was his beloved Tarheels or one of his grandchildren. He loved his book club with his special friends. Most of all, Bill enjoyed time with his college sweetheart, Eleanor, his three girls, and his six grandchildren.

Bill is survived by his wife of 58 years, Eleanor Bizzell Batchelor, and their daughters, Ashley Batchelor Hewitt, husband, Thomas Furman Hewitt, (Tyler Furman, Reece Ruffin, McKenna Worthington); Shannon Batchelor Bishop, husband, Christopher Clark Bishop (Harrison Ames); Brooke Batchelor Sumner, husband Marcus Barwick Sumner (Macon McCrae, Brody Graham). Bill is also survived by his brother, Richard Ray Batchelor, his wife Ann Batchelor, and sister-in-law, Margaret Morris Batchelor. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Thomas Ruffin Batchelor and Mattie McCray Batchelor and his brother Thomas Hilton Batchelor.

A celebration of life will be held at the Carolina Club in Chapel Hill, NC, at 1:30 pm Friday, August 11, 2023. There will be a reception at the Carolina Club immediately following the service.

Flowers are welcomed or memorial donations may be made to Barton College 200 Atlantic Christian College Dr NE Wilson, NC 27893 click here to donate to Barton College, or Hock Family Pavilion at 4023 N Roxboro Street Durham, NC 27704-2119 https://www.gifts.duke.edu/dukehealth?designation=211010031-HS&technique_code=DHMM.

The Batchelor family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online condolences: www.hallwynne.com – select obituaries.