Douglas Neil Batey, Sr. “Bates”, age 76, made his transition to the “other side” on September 11, 2026, at his Michigan home. Born on October 26, 1948, in Cumberland Furnace, Tennessee, Doug was the son of Raymond and Mary Elizabeth (Simpkins) Batey.

Doug was employed by the Center for Forensic Psychiatry for 30 years and also worked for the United States Postal Service in Manchester, Michigan, for 15 years before retiring. Throughout his life, Doug called both Tennessee and Michigan home.

On December 24, 1980, Douglas married the love of his life, Deborah Meador-Boatright “Boats”, in Newport, Kentucky. Together, they shared 45 years of marriage and built a life centered around family, love, many treasured memories and especially cherished vacations to Gulf Shores, Alabama, Myrtle Beach, and Virginia Beach, with Debi and their two youngest granddaughters Malia and Skyla for many years.

Doug enjoyed wrestling, playing baseball, and basketball in his youth, and continued playing basketball with his patients at the Forensic Center. In his later years he enjoyed watching every sporting event on TV, except hockey, as well as he was an avid TV fan of entertainment wrestling. But he couldn’t roller or ice skate like Debi!

Doug enjoyed spending time with his family and adored all of his dogs, most recently Jethro and Chyna-Ming. He enjoyed traveling to his second home in Virginia, affectionately known as “The Horse Farm.” He enjoyed vacations with his family and especially “cruising” all over the Caribbean for the past 10 years.

Doug is survived by his beloved wife, Debi; his children, Kimberly Batey, Michael (Megan) Boatright, Dougie (Ashley W.) Batey II., Kyle (Ashley) Batey, and Elizabeth (Josh Milligan) Batey; and his “special son” and nephew, Daniel Prichard. He also leaves behind his grandsons Tyler, Austin, Nathan, granddaughters Christian, ShyAnn, Kayli, Evy, Malia, Skyla and Avery; great-grandsons Kaesen, Tanner, Tucker, great-granddaughters Kamora and Willow; brothers Ronnie and Daryl (Karen) Batey; and sister Janet (Danny) Parris.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Johnnie Batey.

A visitation will be held 6-8 pm on Thursday September 17, 2026, at Stark Funeral Professionals.

In keeping with Douglas’s wishes, he will be cremated.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Michigan Chapter.