ROCKY MOUNT - Bernard Wright Batchelor, 77, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2008. He was born in Nash County on April 24, 1931 to the late Ward and Rosella Batchelor. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Jerry Wright Batchelor; and a brother, Johnny Ray Batchelor.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Geraldine Land Batchelor; son, Jeffrey Lynn Batchelor and wife, Brenda Jackson Batchelor; sister, Rosa Bell Fannin and husband, Buddy of Nashville; brother, Adolphus Batchelor and wife Vera of Spring Hope; and sister-in-law Robbie Batchelor of Sherman, Texas, also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Flowers are welcomed or memorials may be made to: Macedonia Baptist Church, 551 Macedonia Road, Spring Hope, NC 27882.

The family received friends from 7:00 – 8:30 pm on Wednesday evening, September 10, 2008 at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home. A funeral service was held at 2:00 pm Thursday, September 11, 2008 at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home with Rev. Ron Hawley and Rev. L.E. Godwin officiating. Burial followed at Forest Hill Cemetery in Nashville.

Arrangements by Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 North Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. On-line condolences may be sent to the Batchelor family by visiting www.wheelerandwoodlief.com.