William G. Batte

Another from the Greatest Generation has passed: Jan 21, 2019, William G. Batte, Sr., Ph.D., at age 91 in Williamsburg, VA, following a brief illness. Known to his friends while growing up in Jarratt, VA, as "Billy-Gid", and otherwise known as William or Bill to others, he was an accomplished pianist and musician from an early age. William organized performing swing bands during his high school years, known as "Billy Batte and his Wings of Rhythm", which carried over into his college years at Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI, now Virginia Tech). Obtaining BS degrees in Electrical Engineering and Industrial Engineering, with recognition in the Phi Beta Kappa honorary society, graduate studies in Electrical Engineering were performed at the University of Virginia and subsequently earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering (Computer Circuitry design) from Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio. William's notable professional career began at NASA as he was actively recruited to head a team to design and implement satellite tracking stations worldwide in anticipation of project Mercury and putting a man in space. William subsequently became division chief of the Data Reduction computer facility at NASA Langley. After leaving NASA, William became a full professor in Electrical Engineering for computer circuitry design at the University of Virginia. The final phase of his professional career was devoted to his technical consulting company and real estate interests.
At a personal level, Bill was known to his friends as always the quintessential polite Southern gentleman, kind and gentle, who maintained his wit and dry sense of humor to his final days. He is survived by his son, W. Granville Batte, Jr., M.D., daughter Sharon Kay Batte, and preceded by his wife of nearly 50 years, Nancy Parker Batte, also of Jarratt, VA, brother, John Feild Batte, Jr., and sister Hazel Batte Nelson. Bill and his music will be deeply missed by all who have known and loved him. May he rest in peace.
A graveside service will be held at High Hills Cemetery on Saturday, January 26 at 11 a.m. There will be a memorial service held at WindsorMeade in Williamsburg on February 9 at 9:30 a.m.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.owenfh.com.