West Family Tree

Harold Curtis Batson, of Pinehurst, passed away peacefully in his home Saturday, Oct. 6, at the age of 82 after a long illness. He was born in Baker, Fla., and is survived by a sister, Mae Osborne and brother-in-law, Dick Osborne of Franklin; brother- in-law, Bob Cumbie, of Apopka, Fla.; many nieces and nephews; his daughter, Debbie and son-in-law, Matt Haile, of Raleigh; daughter Paula; granddaughters, Kaththryn, Grace and Savannah; and by his loving wife of 59 years, Byna Jo.

Curtis served in the military during the Korean War and then attended Florida State University on the G.I. Bill. After college, he settled in Orlando, Fla., where he met Byna Jo and married in 1959. Curtis owned and operated a swimming pool company, Holiday Pools of Florida, for many years while also restoring older homes. He was a Rotarian and an active member of the Orlando business community during this time.

Curtis and Byna retired to Pinehurst in 2004 from North Florida where he was a residential contractor and developer. He was an avid fisherman and boatsman and loved nothing better than fishing with his brother-in-law, Bob Cumbie, in Florida.

He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and loved it when his granddaughters sent him their broken toys to fix. They would say “Don’t worry Mommy. Poppi can fix anything” — AND, indeed he could.

He was a member of Brownson Presbyterian Church where a memorial service will be held Thursday, Oct. 11 at 1 p.m. at 330 S. May St., Southern Pines.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to FirstHealth Hospice, 150 Applecross Dr., Pinehurst, NC 28374.

Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com

Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Pinehurst.