Michael Wayne Batts

Michael Wayne Batts, 56, of Midlothian, Virginia, passed away on May 2, 2025. He was born on December 26, 1968, in Petersburg, Virginia, to Samuel L. Batts and the late Marjorie Diana Batts. Michael was the youngest child of Samuel and Marjorie and was adored by his older siblings, Traci, Samuel, and Kimberly. Michael was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, known for his kindness, loyalty, and love of family.

Michael was a proud graduate of Petersburg High School, class of 1987. He spent 27 years working as a Purchasing Manager at Zeller Gmelin, where he was a dedicated and valued employee. Outside of work, Michael was an enthusiastic Dallas Cowboys fan. He regularly attended football games with friends and his wife, Kenya. Michael enjoyed spending his free time traveling with his wife and their two daughters, Kamryn Nicole and Camille Simmone, whom he treasured and adored.

Michael was a devoted family man who cherished his wife, Kenya. Married for 27 years, their life together was filled with travel, special events, a shared love of music, traveling, fine dining, joy, and celebration. They most recently celebrated their anniversary on April 11th. Michael always had a "song in his heart," especially during karaoke at the couples' nights they often hosted. Michael fully embodied what it means to be a true GIRL DAD, as he proudly shared the accomplishments of his girls, Kamryn and Camille, with anyone who would listen. Michael never missed a moment-whether it was a dance recital, cheer competition, school play, parent-teacher conference, award ceremony, or graduation, he was always there, celebrating every milestone with pride and joy. He celebrated Kamryn as she returned to city living in Washington, D.C., and he beamed with pride as Camille joined her mother's sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., as well as her acceptance into a study abroad program in Cape Town, South Africa. The depths of Michael's love and pride for his daughters knew no end.

Michael's deep and abiding love for his family and his gregarious presence will be profoundly missed by all who knew him. He brought laughter and energy to every gathering, often by sharing jokes, playfully teasing his siblings, or singing his favorite songs. His spirit and kindness will live on in the hearts of his loved ones and all who were lucky enough to know him.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Kenya; two daughters, Kamryn Nicole and Camille Simmone; his father, Samuel L. Batts, Sr.; his siblings, Traci Anderson (Clinton), Samuel Batts, Jr. (Jeannie), and Kimberly Brickhouse (Frasier); his mother-in-law, Claudette Simmons; his brother-in-law, Jamel Cruz; and his cherished nieces and nephews, Bryan Anderson, Frasier (Trey) Brickhouse, Caitlin Anderson, Corbin Brickhouse, Dejour Cruz, Sienna Cruz, and Lailah Cruz. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Marjorie Diana Batts; and brother-in-law, Antonio Cruz. He leaves a long list of aunts, uncles, cousins, and special friends mourning his loss.

To celebrate Michael's life, a visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, 3050 West Hundred Road in Chester, VA, from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at First Baptist Church of South Richmond, 1501 Decatur Street, Richmond, VA, at 11:00 am. Directly following the funeral, Michael will be laid to rest beside his beloved mother, Diana, at Sunset Memorial Park. Family and friends will gather at Collington Clubhouse, 10000 Collington Drive, Midlothian, VA, following the burial.

To honor Michael's memory, loved ones may send flowers or make a donation to Fearless Fathers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID #85-1443832). The organization is dedicated to building a supportive community of Black men focused on uplifting and strengthening Black families. May Michael rest in paradise, forever remembered, and deeply cherished by all who knew and loved him.