Howard “Jap” Grady Bateman, Sr., 86, of Franklin, NC, passed away January 25, 2026, surrounded by family. He was born on June 19, 1939, in Nantahala to the late George Washington Bateman and Thelma Maude Baldwin Bateman. Jap enjoyed the simple pleasures of life fishing, wagon trains, and camping and he carried a deep love for the outdoors throughout his years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Phoebe Ann Bateman, who passed in 2020; daughter Ruby Lea Bateman; one sister, Launa Stegall; six brothers, William “Billy” Bateman, Mack “Bud” Bateman, James Huell Bateman, Hubert Edward Bateman, George “Junior” Washington Bateman, and W. Thomas “Tommy” Bateman; two grandchildren, Heather Mathis and Brandon Brinke; and one great-great grandson, Jasper Braun.

Jap is survived by his five children: Chuck Bateman (Renee), Debbie Bates, Rhonda Williamson, Rita Lambert (Bob), and Trudi Mathis (Danny). He is also survived by one sister, Wanda McDaniel; one brother, Shorty Bateman; eight grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Macon Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 1:00–2:00 p.m. prior to the service. Rev. David Lee Williams and Rev. Johnny Billingsley will officiate. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Lee Bates, Steven Williamson, Seth Williamson, Bobby Dills, Darryl Bateman, and Junior Bateman. Joshua Mathis will serve as honorary pallbearer.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.