Richard Hardy Batton, Sr.

Richard Hardy Batton, Sr., 92, passed away on Friday, August 31, 2012. Graveside services will be held at 11:00AM on Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at Rosehill Cemetery with Dr. Neal Wall officiating. Family will greet friends Monday, September 3, 2012 between 4:00-6:00PM at Hart's at the Cupola, 6324 Peake Road. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to First Baptist Church, 511 High Place, Macon, Georgia 31201. Mr. Batton was born in Fitzgerald, Georgia, the son of Hardy Lawson Batton and Bessie Thornton Batton. He attended Lanier High School and Georgia Tech where he majored in Aeronautical Engineering. A veteran of World War II, he received a commission as an artillery Captain in the United States Army and served throughout North Africa, Corsica and Italy. Upon his discharge, he worked for Georgia Kaolin before beginning his career as an Aerospace Engineer for the US Government. He was directly involved with the Matador Missile which was the first nuclear tipped tactical missile which played a key role in Eastern Europe in the early days of the Cold War. Other projects included the Nike surface to air missile and the B-57 Bomber. After retiring from the government, he worked for Georgia Steel in Macon. Mr. Batton was an active member of First Baptist Church. He loved aviation of all kinds and was a long time member of the Middle Georgia Aeromasters. He was a kind, compassionate, and gentle man. The family wishes to acknowledge their grateful appreciation of the staff of Bolingreen Nursing Home who provided him with loving care. Mr. Batton was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine Favors Batton. He is survived by his son, Richard H. Batton, Jr. (Joy) of Macon; daughters, Dianne Moore (George) of Gray, and Cynthia Cannon of Macon; grandchildren, Dustin Long (Mandy) of Macon, Kacey Campuzano of Macon, Maggie Flanders (Garin) of Macon, Amanda Cannon of Macon, Berry Moore of Gray, and Corey Moore of Gray; and four great grandchildren. Register online at www.hartsmort.com. Hart's Mortuary and Crematory at the Cupola has charge of arrangements.