Cook County commissioner dies at 89
First African American commissioner in Cook County dies at 89.

Community Mourns the Loss of Cook County Leader Willie Batchelor

ADEL, Ga. (WALB) – The residents of Cook County are heartbroken as they mourn the loss of a beloved leader in their community. Willie Batchelor, affectionately known as Coach Batchelor, passed away at the age of 89. He was a trailblazer as the First African American County Commissioner in Cook County.

A Life of Service and Generosity

Willie Batchelor was a man with a big heart, always ready to give back to anyone in need. His granddaughter, Lauren Evans, fondly remembers her grandfather’s selflessness, saying, “He always gave back to anybody, sometimes to the point where it became a problem. But we would just say, ‘Okay papa,’ because that’s who he was.”

Batchelor’s daughter, Stephani Evans, reflects on his dedication to serving the community, saying, “He has always been that guy to serve the community. So, while he was daddy to me, he was also such an integral part of many people’s lives in the community.”

Throughout his life, Willie Batchelor held numerous titles, from athlete to coach and even a driver’s education teacher. He made history as the First African American County Commissioner and was a proud member of the NAACP. Batchelor’s contributions were so significant that a building was named after him, making him the first African American to receive such an honor.

A Unifying Presence

Former Tax Assessor Tammy Keeley-Wright highlights Batchelor’s impact on the community, stating, “The community didn’t know if he had any disagreements while serving on the board because he had that type of presence about him. He genuinely cared for everyone, not just the African American community. He touched the lives of people from all walks of life.”

Stephani Evans adds, “He wasn’t just a hero in word; he was a doer of the word. He was always involved, active, and present. He was a good listener who wanted to ensure that people felt seen and heard.”

A Legacy of Athletics

Coach Batchelor’s influence extended beyond his service in the community. As a proud Savannah State University alumni, he inspired his students to reach for greatness. “He had one of his students eventually go on to play in the NFL,” Stephanie Evans proudly shares.

Delphanie McGhee, the Funeral Director of McGhee Funeral Home, emphasizes the significance of Batchelor’s achievements for small-town athletes. She states, “A lot of people believe that celebrities and athletes come from big cities, but Coach Batchelor is proof that you don’t have to be from a large city to succeed. Your athleticism and talents can shine, no matter where you come from, as long as you believe in yourself.”

Remembering Willie Batchelor

Visitation for Willie Batchelor will be held on Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home. On Saturday, a visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. at the Family Life Center in Adel. Please note that there will be no viewing during the funeral service on Saturday.

Funeral services to honor Willie Batchelor’s life will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the Adel Church of God Family Life Center in Adel, Georgia. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at the McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens in Valdosta, Georgia.

For those unable to attend in person, the funeral service will be live-streamed on the Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home website.

Willie Batchelor’s legacy will forever be remembered in the hearts of the Cook County community. His dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to serving others have left an indelible mark on the lives he touched. As we mourn his loss, let us also celebrate the extraordinary life of a true community leader.

1. Cook County’s first American Commissioner dies at 89
2. Cook County’s first American Commissioner passes away at eighty-nine.