Terry M Batts Jr.

A Celebration of Life Service for Mr. Terry M. Batts Jr. 78 of Decatur AL. will be 1:00 PM Saturday, July 25, 2026 at First Missionary Baptist Church with The Reverend Daylan Woodall, Senior Pastor officiating.  Inhumation will follow in Decatur City Cemetery.  

The family will receive friends one hour prior to funeral service.  Public viewing will be Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Reynolds Funeral Home.

The Service will be live streamed at https://www.facebook.com/share/191Bs1AzST/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Terry Milburn Batts, Jr., affectionately known as "T" and " TB" was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother -in-law, coach, mentor, and faithful servant of God who peacefully entered eternal rest on July 11, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy defined by faith, family, leadership, service, and a lifelong commitment to christian education. 

Born on July 22, 1947, in Mobile, Alabama, to the proud and joyfully awaiting parents, the late Elder Terry Milburn Batts, Sr. and Mamye Sue Crutcher Batts, Terry was the second child of four born to their union. He was preceded in death by his infant sister, Gwendolyn Batts, his parents, Terry Batts, Sr., Mamye Sue Crutcher Batts, whose memory remains part of the family story. 

Terry never lost his love for his hometown. He was a proud native of Mobile, affectionately known as e Port City, the birthplace of America's original Mardi Gras, and e Azalea City. Whether reminiscing about the beauty of the Azalea Trail or sharing stories about his beloved Williamson High School, Terry spoke of Mobile with unmistakable pride and enthusiasm. From his earliest school days through graduation, his love for Williamson High School and his hometown remained a defining part of who he was, and anyone who spent time with him likely heard a story or two about both.

At an early age, Terry accepted Jesus Christ under the leadership and pastorate of his father, Elder Terry Milburn Batts, Sr. e strong spiritual foundation established during his childhood shaped the man he became. His relationship with God remained central to his life, guiding the way he loved his family, served his church and community, and touched the lives of everyone he encountered. Terry served as Dean of Christian Education in the National Primitive Baptist Convention, USA, for 35 years, and over 40 years of dedicated service to the New Sardis Primitive Baptist Church School Ministry. 

Terry's athletic talents became evident early in life. As a student-athlete at Alabama A&M University, he excelled as a two-sport athlete, making his mark on both the football eld and the baseball diamond. As a standout football player and starting pitcher for the Bulldogs baseball team, Terry earned the respect of teammates, coaches, and competitors through his skill, discipline, leadership, and determination. His accomplishments in athletics were recognized in 2019 when he was inducted into the Alabama A&M Athletic Hall of Fame, honoring a career built on hard work, perseverance, and excellence.
 

After his collegiate athletic career, Terry devoted himself to mentoring young people as the head football and track coach at Trinity High School in Athens, Alabama. When he arrived, he inherited a struggling football program, but through his innovative approach, confidence, and belief in his players, he helped restore pride and success to Trinity athletics.

Under his leadership, the team quickly returned to winning form, including a historic 1970 victory over defending Limestone County champion West Limestone in the county football jamboree, the first time an all-Black school competed against an all-white school in the events history. More than a victory on the field, the moment represented courage, perseverance, and the power of believing in oneself.

Although Trinity High School later closed during school integration, Coach Batts' influence continued through the young men he mentored, many of whom went on to achieve great success. His greatest legacy was not found in wins and losses, but in the character, confidence, and discipline he instilled in his players. 

Beyond athletics, Terry was a proud and dedicated member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, for 59 years. He embraced the fraternity's principles of achievement, service, leadership, and brotherhood and represented Kappa with great pride and enthusiasm. Whether wearing his Kappa letters, participating in fraternity activities, encouraging younger members, or sharing the importance of brotherhood and service, Terry embodied the ideals of the organization he loved. His commitment reflected his lifelong belief in uplifting others and making a positive difference.

On August 1968, Terry married the love of his life, Ethel Malone Batts. Together, they shared nearly 58 years of marriage, creating a lifetime of memories, raising a family, and navigating life's many seasons together. Their journey reflected the realities of a long marriage, filled with moments of joy, challenges, growth, and perseverance. roughout Terry's life, and especially during his final days, Ethel remained faithfully by his side with extraordinary strength, compassion, and care. Her love and steadfast presence were among the greatest gifts of Terry's life.
 

Family was one of Terry's greatest treasures. He was a devoted father, proud grandfather, loving brother, brother -in-law, cousin, uncle, and friend. His expectations were high because his love was deep, and the lessons he shared continued to guide those who knew him. 

Terry also had a special role in helping raise his nephew, Jason Malone, offering guidance, encouragement, and support during important years of his life. His bond with his brothers, Harold and Carl, was one of lifelong love, friendship, and loyalty. Their shared memories, laughter, and connection remained a cherished part of Terry's life.

Those who knew Terry will remember his gift for storytelling, his remarkable knowledge of history, sports, and his ability to bring people together through conversation. Whether recalling the glory days at Williamson High School and their two championship teams that he had the privilege to be a part of, sharing memories from the football field, telling family stories, or discussing historical events, Terry had a remarkable ability to captivate those around him. His infectious laugh, quick wit, and warm personality made every gathering more meaningful. Above all, Terry was a man of faith. His relationship with Jesus Christ was not simply a part of his life, it was the foundation of his life. He faithfully served his church and community, extending kindness, encouragement, and compassion to others. rough his words, his actions, and his example, Terry demonstrated the love of Christ and remained committed to serving others. 

Terry Milburn Batts, Jr. will be remembered in many ways. Athletes will remember the Hall of Fame competitor. Players will remember the coach who believed in them. Students will remember the mentor who taught lessons beyond the classroom and playing field. Friends and family will remember his laughter, wisdom, kindness, his deep love for Mobile and Williamson High School, and even a quick temper that occasionally made an appearance before patience had a chance to catch up. 

While his name is forever honored in the Alabama A&M Athletic Hall of Fame, Terry's greatest achievement was the life he lived in service to God, his family, and others. He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Terry left behind many lessons. Some were about faith. Some were about family. Some were about perseverance. And one was simply this: 

                     "Batts, two TT's, no E." 
                      He has now received the greatest victory of all. 
                     Well done, good and faithful servant. — Matthew 25:23 
 

Terry leaves to cherish his memory: His devoted and loving wife, Ethel Malone Batts, Decatur, AL; children, Rosemary Cosby, Decatur, AL, Terence Cunningham (Francesca), Madison, AL, Tremayne Batts, Decatur, AL; grandchildren, Corian Moore, Joslyn Cunningham, Tremayne Marcellus Batts, Bryson Cosby, Tyson Cosby, Taliah Batts, Myles Cunningham, Tashara Batts; brothers, Harold Batts (Blannie), Huntsville, AL, Carl Batts (Renee), Macedonia, OH; six great-grandchildren, nieces (great nieces), nephews (great-nephews), cousins and a host of relatives and friends.

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