James Russell "Russ" Bateman, Jr., 56, of Eden, NC passed away on Friday, May 27, 2016 in Pine Hall, NC on Belews Lake.  His body was recovered on Thursday September 8, 2016 after a protracted recovery effort lasting 105 days.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, September 12, 2016 at Fair Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Tom Auker, of First Church of the Brethren, officiating.  Burial will follow in Overlook Cemetery.

Russ was born October 9, 1959 in Eden, NC.  He was a graduate of Morehead High School and attended Rockingham Community College, then UNC-Wilmington.  Russ worked a multitude of jobs in manufacturing over the years.  Most recently, he was blessed with a job he genuinely loved at Commonwealth Brands in Reidsville.  Russ enjoyed fishing, golf, and working on his Corvette, but most of all he loved his family very deeply.  He will be greatly missed by his family and all that knew him.

He is survived by his son, James Russell "Trey" Bateman, III, M.D. of Chapel hill; daughter-in-law, Kelly White Bateman of Chapel Hill; former wife, Linda Ledbetter of Raleigh and mother, Nancy Ayers Bateman of Eden.  Russ was to become a grandfather in November of this year.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Russell Bateman, Sr.

Visitation will be held on Sunday evening from 6-8 pm at Fair Funeral Home and other times at his mother’s home; Nancy Bateman; 1010 Fields Street, Eden.

The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the countless rescue workers, both local and surrounding states, who have devoted their time to this recovery.  Please know that his family and friends are forever indebted to you.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Russ, to Madison-Rockingham County Rescue Squad; 204 East Murphy St, Madison, NC 27025

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com