Michael Batts

The world became a little less bright on April 22, 2026, when Richard Michael Batts Jr., lovingly known as "Lil Michael" or "Big Mike," transitioned from this life to eternal life and peace. His passing was unexpected, and the weight of it is deeply felt by all who knew and loved him.

Richard Michael Batts Jr. was born to Constance Smith and the late Richard Batts Sr. on August 14, 1981, in Nashville, Tennessee.

As a young child he accepted Christ and in his adult life he joined Destiny Center Church. Michael was more than a name-he was a presence. A protector and a provider, he was the kind of man who naturally took the lead, always making sure his family was good. He carried strength and people leaned on, yet behind that strength was a heart just as big as his smile. He was a jokester, always finding a way to make people laugh, even in moments they didn't realize they needed it.

Michael loved his family deeply, and he poured that same love into his community. He was always there-someone you could call, someone who would show up without hesitation. He gave his time, his energy, and his heart freely, touching so many lives along the way.

To know Michael was to feel loved. He had a way of bringing people together and making everyone feel like they mattered.

In every role he carried, he was someone you could always count on. The memories, the laughter, and the love he gave will stay with us forever.

Michael was educated in Davidson County Public Schools and a proud high school graduate of Everett High School, in Lansing, MI.

In 2006, Michael met Shikora Black, and they were united in holy matrimony on August 9, 2014. From their union, they were blessed with five beautiful children. Each of them who meant the world to him and brought him immense love and pride.

Throughout his professional journey, he built a successful career in the automotive industry, working as a car salesman for several dealerships, including Nissan, Toyota, Wyatt Johnson Ford, and Zeke's Auto Sales. Through his dedication and work ethic, he advanced to a finance manager. Most recently, he served as the Director of Sales for Noir and Linq, where he continued to lead with passion and excellence.

He was preceded in death by his father Richard Michael Batts, Sr., and grandmother Delores Batts, Raymond and Geraldine Smith grandparents.

He leaves to cherish his memories to his devoted wife Shikora and children Korey Black, Michael, Journee, Marc and Masen Batts, and his devoted mother; Constance Smith (William Brannon); step-mother Tracy Batts; grandfather; Sam Batts, his beloved little sister; Kanisha (Anthony) Stevenson, brother; Quin'Tez Lewter, mother-in law; Bridgette Johnson, brothers-in-law; Kenneth (Yvonne) Cole, Yoshua Simmons, sisters-in law; Azarrea (Shaun) Conner, Dakota Simmons, Latoya (Rudolph) Jones, Gaynell Cole; Loving Uncle's Ray Smith, Gerald (Helen) Smith; Loving Aunt's Benita (Lamont) Daniel, Margaret (Ernest) Black; Special cousin/sisters/brothers, Antyone Smith, Rico Eubanks, Leticia (Tony) Eddings, Latrice Smith, Sherie Smith, Iesha (Beau) Johnson, Talisha and Mario Smith; very devoted family; Terrell Burks, The Owen's Family, The Harris Family, and Robert McClain,; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and a host of devoted friends.

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