Lloyd E. Batson, 91, of Easley, long-time pastor of Pickens First Baptist Church and a denominational leader, died Feb. 5, 2016.
He was a native of Alcolu. Following military service during World War II, he graduated from Furman University and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
He served churches in Indiana while attending seminary and began his 33-year pastorate at Pickens First Baptist Church in 1956. He served as president of the South Carolina Baptist Convention and as chairman of the Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. He undertook several international mission trips, including a journey to South Africa under assignment from the Foreign Mission Board.
Upon retirement, Batson served as a chaplain at Easley Baptist Hospital and frequently wrote newspaper columns that were ultimately compiled in the volume “From My Life’s Journey.”
Survivors include his wife, Joy Barrick Batson, two sons, three grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.