William E. "Bill" Batson age 92 of Florence passed away on Wednesday, December 16, 2015, Funeral Services will be held Saturday, December 19, 2015, 2:00 P.M. at the First United Methodist Church of Florence with Robert Sparkman officiating. Burial will be at Greenview Memorial Park.

He is preceded in death by his wife Lou Stone Batson. Son Robert "Robby" Stone Batson, one sister, and two brothers; E.O. Batson Jr. and Dr. Walter P. Batson.

Bill is survived by his Daughter Suzanne Morris (Barry). Three grandchildren, Scott Morris (Katherine), Dean Sanders (Crystal) and David Morris (Grace). Eight great-grandchildren, Taylor Morris, Payton Morris, Ragan Morris, Emily Sanders, Liam Sanders, Myla Sanders, Lainey Morris and Crawford Morris.

Bill Batson had a story to tell and a kind word for all. He was a soft spoken unassuming gentleman who looked for the best in people, his friends and family. We are gonna miss that man.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Florence serving as treasurer and chairman of the finance committee. A member of the Men''s Bible Class serving as president. A member of the Florence Chamber of Commerce serving as treasurer. He was a member and past president of the Florence Exchange Club. He attended Birmingham Southern College and graduated from the University of Alabama and was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity and a Co-captain of the Million Dollar Band and a member of the Tuscaloosa Musicians Association. He served as Chairman of the Republican Executive Committee of Lauderdale County. Was the Mayor of the City of Florence from 1969 - 1978 and then again between 1981 - 1984. He was a member of the National Society of Public Accountants and served as the District Director. A member of the Alabama Association of Public Accountants serving as President. And a member of the Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy. For forty years he was a member and treasurer of the Florence Country Club. Served on the Boards at First Federal, First Southern, the YMCA and the Action Agency. He was a lifetime member in good standing of The Toad Hall Tennis Club.

Honorary pallbearers are the Men''s Bible Class of First United Methodist Church of Florence and members of the Florence Exchange Club.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Florence, the American Cancer Society, or Friends of the Library.

The family would like to extend appreciation to Hospice of North Alabama; Anna, Koko, Machelle and Helen; and to Elly from Shoals Home Health Care. A special thank you to Alice Brown for her kind concern and help.