“Fare you well, fare you well, I love you more than words can tell. Listen to the river sing sweet songs to rock my soul” - Grateful Dead

Rocky Mount -

Michael Floyd Batts entered his eternal rest on Thursday, January 8th, 2026 due to complications from chronic respiratory illness.

He was preceded in death by his step-brother, Jim Glover, and  leaves behind, on this side of eternity, his dear wife, Jamalia Rebecca Batts; his children, Alex, Molly (wife to Lee Thorne), and Rachel (wife to Drew Baker); his grandchildren, Korbin, Shepherd, Selah, and Vivian; his parents, Sharon and Bob Brantley, and Floyd and Ann Batts; his siblings, Susan (wife to Steve Sturgill) and Hope (wife to Paul Strickland) - along with countless other nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and dear friends. 

Michael was a great man of faith. Those who knew him considered him one with his music. On any given day, you could find Michael watching over his grandchildren with Jamie, playing a round of golf with his friends and family, jamming to the Grateful Dead, or strumming a few tunes on the front porch with his coffee. Michael enjoyed many of life’s simplest pleasures, and it didn’t take much more than a cold beverage and good music to keep him happy. 

Michael was a well respected member of the worship team at his local church. Through the years, many men both young and old found a great mentor and friend in Michael. He was known to some church members as the “Banjo Man”. Michael was loved, cherished, and enjoyed by an astounding number of people in his community. His legacy of strong faith, passion for good music, and heartfelt adoration for his family will impact our lives for many years to come. Michael has finished the good race, and is now face to face with his Lord and Savior. 

The family will host a service to honor God and celebrate Michael’s life at 1:00 pm, Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Servant’s Heart Fellowship, 1663 Goldrock Rd, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Visitation will be prior to the service, beginning at 12:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to Servant’s Heart Fellowship at the above address or HERE

A poem for Michael, written by his son-in-law, Lee: 

Remember me when the sun comes up

When the coffee flows into your cup

When the rain won’t stop and you’re feeling stuck

Remember me

Remember me when your head is down 

When darkness flows from all around 

When a six string plays and you love the sound

Remember me

Remember me when you feel unwell 

When you think the worlds gone straight to hell 

When your bucket reaches the bottom of the well

Remember me

Remember me when the sky is blue 

When you see that the Lords promises are true 

When you wish it was just me and you 

Remember me

Remember me when you find your way 

When you untie your shoes at the end of the day 

When you just can’t find the words to say 

Remember me.