Thomas Cosby Batte

Thomas Cosby Batte, 92, passed away peacefully at his home in Asheville, NC, on June 2, 2024.

Born October 3, 1931 in Asheville, NC, to Mary Cosby Batte and Benjamin Leslie Batte. He is predeceased by his parents, his sister, Margaret Batte Hamilton, and brother, Leslie Howard Batte.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Mary Kay “Micki” Batte; son, Gregory Thomas Batte and wife Cindy Batte; daughter, Ann Marie Batte Clayton and husband Tommy Clayton; step-daughter, Virginia Brockmiller; sister-in-law, Betty Sakson; grandchildren Matt, Jesse and Gregory Batte, Megan Gilbreath, Ryan Byerly, Kiersten Moore, Kaylyn Richards with their respective wives and husbands, and six great-grandchildren; and nieces, Beth Giankouros, Pat Cherry, Sarah Tomlin and their families. The love Tom had for his family was unconditional and never went unnoticed.

From the time he was a teenager, Tom’s passion and love was aeronautics building model airplanes as a boy and serving as an AF Flight Line Mechanic during the Korean War. Using the GI Bill he attended NC State and received his degree in Aeronautical Engineering. From there he moved to Florida and began his career at Pratt Whitney Aircraft Military Engine Division. After serving numerous years as Project Engineer working many programs including the F14 Tom Cat Navy military engine upgrade, he ended his career in 1990 as Project Engineer on the F22.

In his retirement years he continued his enjoyment of building and flying model airplanes, playing golf with, by his account, some of the best friends he ever had, and fly fishing with his children. He enjoyed traveling with Micki to Europe and in their RV visiting most of the United States including Alaska and several Canadian provinces.

He stated that his time working at Pratt Whitney was the best of his life and he had no regrets with his chosen career. His love for his children and his grandchildren knew no bounds and his great grandchildren were a joy. He stated many times that his greatest love was his wife, Micki, and it showed. His wry humor will be terribly missed by his family.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, 962 Old US Highway 70, Black Mountain, NC.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Tom’s favorite charity, Disabled American Veterans.

Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting the family.