1929-2026
Judson E. “Judd” Batts, age 96, of Malvern, was called to join his family and friends on January 9, 2026, at Arbor Oaks Nursing Home. He was born to the late Judson Bruce and Eva Mae Tully Batts in Forrest City, Arkansas, on March 13, 1929. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Alma Eva Batts; an infant brother, Little Bruce Batts; his first wife of 48 years, Katherine Battaglini Batts; second wife, Cathy Tapley Batts; and son, Duane Battaglini.
After graduating from Malvern High School in 1949, he joined the U. S. Air Force and served for 13 years. He participated in the Korean Conflict, and later served in Japan and the Phillipines. He worked and retired from General Motors after 43 years with the company. In 1990, he and Katherine moved to Malvern where he spent seven years volunteering as a director of R. O. S. E. from 1991 to 1998.
He was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church where he seved as treasurer, custodian, trustee, choir member, original member of the smokehouse family, and the Wednesday morning prayer breakfast.
He is survived by a son, Raymond (Belinda) Battaglini; a sister, Anne M. Bell; brother, James E. Batts; grandchildren, Sherry (John) Griego, Raymond (Kris) Battaglini, Denise (James) Stephenson, Jamie Battaglini, and Richard Battaglini; stepsons, Richard Tapley, Robert Tapley, Stanley Tapley, Harold Tapley, many grand and great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Thanks from the family go to The Crossing, the aides, and many friends he has made the past three years. Love and gratitude go to his sitters: Cleo Carter, who was his “buddy and best friend”; Marinda Mitchell, Charles Sanders, Jr. and Legratta Williams; Elite hospice for their loving care, and Arbor Oaks Nursing Home.
Services will be held on Wednesday afternoon, January 14, 2026, at 2:00, in the sanctuary of St. Paul United Methodist Church with Reverend Andrew Orr officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Rest Haven Cemetery under the direction of J. A. Funk Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be: Ronnie Matlock, Paul Ward, Raymond and Anthony Battaglini, John Greigo, and Casey Riggan.
Honorary pallbearers will be the “smokehouse family”.
Memorials are requested to St. Paul United Methodist Church, 1310 East Mill Street, Malvern, Arkansas 72104.
