James Richard "Ricky" Batchelor

James Richard “Ricky” Batchelor Jr, 72 of Sanford peacefully passed away Monday September 7, 2026. A Memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm Sunday September 27th at Rogers Pickard Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be private.

Ricky was born in Lee Co, a son of the late James Richard Batchelor Sr and Hazel Bowers Batchelor. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Dale Batchelor; sister, Melva Rhae Batchelor; infant darling sister; niece, Heather Hoffecker; and nephew, David Allen Britt.

Ricky loved Jesus, Church, working outdoors, planting and tending to flowers, volunteering with the Footlight Players at the Temple Theater, and raising chickens. He valued hard work and was happiest when he was laboring. He would arrive at work early and leave late. He believed in being helpful, hardworking, and useful. He worked until health prevented him and even then, he would spend his days organizing his books, drawers, and shelves.

Mr. Batchelor is survived by his sister, Sandra B. McNeill (David); nieces, Lisa M Britt, Amber Britt, and Faith McNeill, Cheryl Roberts, Lauren Mahoney (Hunter), Morgan Roberts, Kristen Breedlove, and Amanda Barnes; and many more extended family and friends.

The family will greet friends beginning at 2:00 pm Sunday (8/27/2026) at the funeral home before the service.

Memorial contributions can be made to Alzheimer’s Assn, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011; North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance, PO Box 99562, Raleigh, NC 27624.