Ernest King Batey

Ernest King Batey, Sr., longtime resident of Long Beach and former Harrison County Tax Collector, died peacefully in his sleep on November 4, 2015. Batey was born December 31, 1927, in Wisner, LA, the son of William T. Batey and Geneva Bass Batey. Immediately after graduating from high school in 1946, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served primarily at the Old Farms Convalescent Hospital in Avon, CT, assisting in the rehabilitation of veterans, blinded due to World War II.
After graduating from business college in 1950, he married Maxine Oglesby in Alexandria, LA. They had a blissful 53-year marriage before she passed in 2004. Batey and family moved to the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 1955, where he served as Office Manager for Swift & Co. In 1963. he began as a sales agent for the Life Insurance Company of Georgia.
In 1973, Batey began working for Homer Graham, Harrison County Tax Collector. He went on to operate the office as Deputy Tax Collector for both Homer and Bess Graham through their illnesses until her term expired in 1983. He then ran and was elected, taking office in January, 1984. Batey went on to serve for three more terms, unopposed, until he retired in December, 1999. He dutifully served the residents of Harrison County for almost 27 years.
Batey liked to refer to himself as ""a dirt road sport."" He and his wife Maxine (owner of Maxine's Carousel of Beauty, Long Beach) lived simply and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and dancing. They both could ""tear up the dance floor."" They enjoyed Mardi Gras season. Batey served as a Duke of Les Cavaliers and also as a Duke and King of Les Danseuses. They are also charter members of the Long Beach Yacht Club. He was an avid LSU Tigers fan, and could grill the ""best you ever had"" steaks. Although he was a voracious reader, he always found time for his afternoon siesta. He loved the Lawrence Welk Show, often with his beautiful voice singing right along with the cast, much to the chagrin of his kids. His grandchildren remember sitting on his knee as he sang funny ditties that he pulled from his enormous repertoire!
Mr. Batey is survived by his two children, Ernest King Batey, Jr. (Brenda) of Long Beach, and Cheryl Batey Nyberg (Jerry) of Orlando, FL. He was blessed with two grandchildren, Tiffany Batey of Gulfport and Ernest King ""Trey"" Batey, III (Rhiannon) of Longview, WA, and one step-granddaughter, Susie Nyberg McGlothlin (Ryan) of Portland, OR. He has one great-granddaughter, Laurel Batey, and two step-great-granddaughters, Audrey and Katie McGlothlin. He is also survived by his brother Robert G. Sellers of Leesville, LA, and sister Sandra Sellers Boyle of Simpson, LA. Also included are numerous beloved nieces and nephews who called him Uncle Batey.
Batey led a full life and was often known to say, ""The Old Man upstairs has truly blessed me."" His ashes will be interred in Long Beach Cemetery alongside those of his wife, Maxine. A celebration of life memorial service will be held at a later date. Those wishing to honor
Mr. Batey are encouraged to make a donation to their preferred charity.
The RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Long Beach, is serving the family and an online guestbook may be signed at www.riemannfamily.com