Born on the Fourth of July, 1953, amidst the sound of fireworks and the smell of barbecue, Jean and Willis Bateman, Sr., welcomed their son, Willis Jr., into the world. Though he was named after his father, no one could have ki1ow11 what joy and curiosity were wrapped in that tiny bundle.

Willis was a curious child who began his education at Giddings Elementary School. It was there and in Middle School that he formed the lifelong friendships that earned him his primary nickname, Butch. His distinct personality later inspired other beloved names: he became Uncle Gadget to some nieces, and, likely due to his Fourth of July birthday, a few cousins called him Sparky.

Willis attended John Adams High School, where he served as a safety guard, ensuring everyone followed the rules .. He especially remembered his Cousin Charlean and how she looked out for him when things would get a little tough. After graduating, Willis continued his education at Cleveland State University, where he received a B.S. Degree in Elementary Education.

During his time at Cleveland State, Willis proudly became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, where he formed deep and lasting bonds of brotherhood. He remained fiercely loyal to the fraternity, supporting events and causes until his health prevented him from doing so. This loyalty is why his family has chosen to wear crimson and cream ribbons at the services-a visible tribute to the enduring connection Willis held with his beloved fraternity.

Beyond his career, Willis was dedicated to his community and service. For many years, he was a devoted Masonic member of Prince Hall, where he cherished the bonds of brotherhood and contributed to their charitable work throughout the city. He also shared his musical gift for a short while, singing with the Cleveland Interfaith Choir and traveling to a different state every summer. His life was defined by his commitment to his faith, his family, and his neighbors.

Willis was a man defined by quiet strength, humor, and unwavering faith. Whether you knew him from the classroom, the police department, the Prince Hall Masons, or the church choir, he was just one of the people we could all find great things about, no matter your age or walk of life.

Willis and Judy had a fleeting meeting early in his teaching career in Cleveland. They soon parted, both marrying different people, only to quickly find themselves facing the end of those unions. Judy was blessed with a son from her previous marriage. A few years later, having finished an unsatisfying period teaching in Philadelphia, Willis returned to Cleveland. At a staff meeting at Walton School, the principal announced, “We have a new staff member from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and his name is Willis Bateman.” Judy, a six-year veteran of Walton, looked at the man who was also starting over and thought, “He’s going to be my future husband. Judy soon began sharing her books and supplies while explaining the school’s expectations to Willis. The sharing and talking soon gave Willis the courage to invite Judy to the movies.

Their bond was sealed with trust and a shared sense of humor. Early in their courtship, while talking one afternoon, he mentioned he had spent time in jail. Judy thought, ‘The last person I need in my life is an ex-con.’ Sensing her immediate worry, Willis simply laughed and clarified: ‘I worked for the sheriff’s department; so I did go to jail.’ A wave of relief and amusement washed over her, and she laughed with him.

Though Willis later transferred to Mary Bethune School, their connection deepened, and not long after the transfer, Willis proposed. To her surprise (and secret satisfaction), Judy accepted, saying to herself, “I knew he’d be my husband one day.0They were happily married for thirty-three years. Willis stepped in to help Judy raise her son, Jason, who quickly accepted him, declaring, “I would only give you to Mr. Bateman, he’s now my dad”.

Willis had a deep commitment to educational leadership. With the encouragement and support of Judy, he returned to Cleveland State to earn his Master’s Degree in School Administration. Upon this advancement, Willis decided to become a school administrator for several years, influencing countless students and staff.

Years later, after his retirement, Willis experienced a profoundly touching moment that affirmed his legacy. While in the Emergency Room, the young man taking care of him looked up and said, “Mr. Bateman, you were one of my principals at Scranton, and I’m going to take good care of you.” It was a beautiful, full-circle moment-a testament to the respect and care he had instilled in the lives he touched, now returned to him in his time of need.

Willis’s deep love for his family was a defining trait. He often spoke of his younger years, taking care of his two brothers, Chuck and Terry, while their parents worked. This innate caretaking spirit carried into his adult life, particularly as Uncle Butch”. Every summer vacation, Willis and Judy would host their nieces and nephews for a week-a period filled with joy and adventure. Oh, the fun they had and the places they went! Generations of family will agree there were no pancakes like the ones Uncle Butch made.

His commitment to his nieces and nephews extended to mentorship. It became a truly special moment when he and Judy were invited to Ohio University to share the true meaning of Kwanzaa with the students, several of whom were his own nieces in college. He treasured the opportunity to share culture and wisdom with the next generation. Holidays were always anticipated by his Cleveland nieces and nephews, who were eager to discover two things: “What’s Uncle Butch’s newest gadget?” and 0What color is his Mini Cooper now?”-a perfect testament to his playful spirit and his love for technology.

Willis was blessed with thirteen years of retirement. Initially, he and Judy were excited to travel, but as his health began to decline, their planned excursions transfom1ed into a different kind of

shared journey. Their dates became doctors’ appointments, yet their commitment made every moment worthwhile. This new chapter allowed them to simply relax, spending time together watching TV shows they’d missed while working. Willis embraced his slower pace of life, finding joy in simple pleasures. He was always thrilled to make the morning coffee, settling into his recliner to listen to various kinds of music and work on word search puzzles.

His commitment to faith was a guiding force throughout his life. Willis was a faithful member of Olivet’s Male Chorus and regularly attended church and Sunday School. Even after his decline in health, his devotion never wavered; he faithfully stayed home, listening to Sunday School over the phone and the virtual sermons every Sunday.

On his last Sunday watching the virtual service, he was thrilled to see Kyle Cheeks’ son dedicated, a moment that truly made his day. He is now surely in Glory, sharing that joyful moment with Kyle’s dad.

Willis peacefully passed away on October 14, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jeanne and Willis Bateman, Sr., and his brother, Terrance Bateman.

Those left to cherish his memories are his beloved wife, Judy Bateman; his devoted son, Jason Dixon; his brother, Martin Charles Bateman, and Martin’s wife, Alicia; and his sisters-in-law, Brenda Bateman, Gracie Duren, and Beulah Wiley. He also leaves behind a host of cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins who will forever hold his memory close. He will also be deeply missed by his devoted miniature schnauzer, Bosco.

The family extends a special and heartfelt thank you to Olivet’s Medical Team, who assisted on the Sunday he became ill, and to the dedicated medical team at University Hospital’s Seidman Cancer Center. We are deeply grateful for the constant care provided by his son and the nieces who worked there, and for the humor and support of Jason for bringing snacks to the large crowd in the room.

“One lives in the hope of becoming a memory”. Antonio Portia