Gilbert Julian Bateman

Gilbert Julian Bateman, age 70, of 641 Old Lundy Road died on October 19, 2017 after a long battle of cancer. He was born on September 14, 1947 in Macon, Georgia to Mr. and Mrs. Julian H. Bateman. He attended Lanier High School and Georgia Tech. He served during the Vietnam War as a radar man in the U.S. Navy. After his service in the U.S. Navy, he resided with his family in Jacksonville Beach, Florida where he was an Actuary for Blue Cross Blue Shield. In 1985, he returned to Macon, GA with his family where he successfully operated Bateman Equipment Company. Upon his retirement, he worked part-time for the Bibb County Board of Elections. This allowed him the opportunity to pursue his love for the game of bridge. He played an integral role in establishing the current location of the Macon Duplicate Bridge Club. As a teacher of the game of bridge, he was able to convey his knowledge to many students in the Macon area. He will always be remembered as "Mr. Bridge" as featured on the Dale Ward Show. Over the years, he held various positions at the Macon Duplicate Bridge Club and will be remembered annually with the Gilbert Bateman Non-Life Master Sectional Tournament. He is survived by a son, Preston Bateman (Elizabeth) of Jacksonville, Florida; a daughter, Jennifer Bateman of Haddock, Georgia; three grandchildren Tori Bateman, Oliver Bateman, and Emily Bateman; sisters, Patricia Honeycutt (Dwight) of San Rafeal, California and Kay Forrester of Atlanta, Georgia; Jean Bateman of Haddock, Georgia; Mary Ann Bateman of Macon, Georgia; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Mr. Julian H. Bateman and Ruth Moulton Bateman of Macon, Georgia. A memorial service will be held at a later date with a private interment. In lieu of flowers, donations are to be made to the Macon Duplicate Bridge Club in his memory. Please register online at www.hartsmort.com Hart's Mortuary and Crematory, Cherry Street, has charge of arrangements.