Bob Fred Batchelor, 83, husband of former Great Barrington resident Alberta Parry Batchelor, passed away on December 27, 2015.
A memorial service was held Saturday, January 2, at First Presbyterian Church, in Amarillo, Texas, with Paul Frederiksen, Rev. Dr. Murray Gossett, and Rev. Dr. Howard Griffin officiating.
Bob was born to Claude Clinton Batchelor and Opal Betenbough Batchelor on December 19, 1932, in Shamrock, Texas. He served in the United States Navy from 1950 through 1953 and was stationed aboard the USS William C. Lawe during the Korean War. On January 9, 1954, he married Alberta Swett Parry at the First Congregational Church in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, and they moved to Texas. Alberta was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William E. Parry of South Street in Great Barrington.
A love of music led him to become a disc jockey in his early years and music played a prominent role throughout his entire life. An exceptional salesman, he was instrumental in the development of Texas-based Corporate Systems, where he worked until purchasing Executone Phone Systems in the early 80’s. With a desire to retire and travel, he sold the company to his employees several years later.
Bob’s love of travel was only surpassed by his love of family and together they traveled throughout the world. He believed one should always have another trip planned to look forward to and friends were always invited to accompany, which they often did as extended family. Bob’s unique gift was his generous heart that allowed him to step in to others’ lives wherever and whenever a father or friend was needed.
He was a member of several civic clubs in Amarillo, Texas. An avid pilot, he also belonged to the Quiet Birdmen and especially enjoyed piloting his own planes. An elder and member of First Presbyterian Church of Amarillo for more than 60 years, he also enjoyed attending First Congregational Church on his many visits to Great Barrington. He was a man who gave quietly of his time and resources and looked for those most in need.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, James Batchelor.
Survivors include his wife Alberta; daughter and son-in-law Melody and Chuck Alexander and son Erick; daughter Melinda Batchelor; sister Betty Batchelor Burgy, all of Amarillo, Texas; sister-in-law Roberta Parry Guidi and husband Tom of Rotunda West, Fla.; several nieces and nephews, and a multitude of friends whose lives were touched by this extraordinary man.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to First Congregational Church, P.O. Box 660, Great Barrington, MA 01230 or First Presbyterian Church, 1100 S. Harrison, Amarillo, TX 79101.
