Earl R. Batten, Jr.

Earl Ray Batten, 71, passed away on September 19, 2026. Born in Wilson, North Carolina, Earl later made his home in Petersburg, Virginia, where he became part of a community that will not soon forget him.

Earl was a man who loved life in his own way. He was a Christian and attended St. Andrews Church, also known as Second Chance of Petersburg. His faith was a part of who he was, just as much as the people, places, and things he loved.

Give Earl a fishing pole, a good day with the boys, or the sound of a drag race, and he was right where he wanted to be. Those simple moments meant something to him, and they are the memories his loved ones will carry forward.

Earl was preceded in death by his brother, Billy.

He leaves behind Stephen Ray Batten and his wife, Ashley; Jeffrey Michael Batten; Stanley Shird; Devontay Pratt; and many friends and loved ones. He will also be deeply missed by the 460 community, where his presence and personality left a lasting mark.

Earl was awesome. He was one of a kind, and there will never be another exactly like him.

His absence will be felt in the quiet moments, around the fishing spots, in the stories shared by friends, and in all the places where people remember him.

May Earl rest peacefully, surrounded now by the same love he gave to others throughout his life. 

A memorial service will be held 5:00 P.M., Sunday, October 4, 2026, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/6242398?fl=so&fe=fs