Samuel Batey Sr., Ph.D.

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Samuel Richard Batey, Sr. was born in Nashville, TN to Charles Frank Batey Sr. and Thelma Batey. He is the younger brother to Charles Batey Jr. Sam moved to Denver, CO with his family in 1946 and attended East High School where he graduated in 1960.  He was named to multiple All-City and All-State basketball teams throughout his career and was inducted into the East High School Athletics Hall of Fame and the DPS All-Century Basketball team, along with his son, Sam Jr. After graduating from East, Sam earned a full scholarship to play basketball at the Southern Colorado State College (CSU-Pueblo). In 1963 he married his college sweetheart, Barbara (Bobbie) Jackson. He was inducted into the CSU-Pueblo Athletics Hall of Fame in 2012.

After graduating from the Southern Colorado State College, he began his career as an educator in Denver Public Schools. He taught at Stedman Elementary School and East High School. He went on to become Assistant Principal at Thomas Jefferson High School and finished his career at DPS as a beloved Principal at Montbello High School. His advice to all of his students was to “study hard and play smart.” He received his Master’s from The University of Northern Colorado and In 1999, Sam and Barbara received their PhD in Education from the University of Colorado at Denver. He continued his tenure in education working for the Colorado Department of Education and retired in 2000.

Sam is a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity Inc. He was initiated into the Denver Alumni Chapter on July 28th 1984 and served as Vice Polemarch in 1991-1992. He was a life member of the Esquire club which promoted fellowship, civic improvement and provided social activities in the Denver community. He was also a member of the Denver Urban League Guild and served as a board member for Black American West Museum, Colorado Academy and many other boards and committees throughout the city of Denver and State of Colorado.

Sam enjoyed chasing jazz festivals across the world, playing golf, coaching his grandchildren from the stands, and most of all, family time. Friends and family alike will remember his strong faith, his calm yet assertive demeanor, compassion, and for simply being a good man. He will be missed by all that knew and loved him. As Sam always said towards the end of his time, life is “amazing.”

After a well-lived life, Samuel Richard Batey, Sr. known by his family as “Sam” of Denver, CO passed away on July 19, 2021, at the age of 79.  Sam is survived by his wife, Barbara and their son Samuel R. Batey, Jr. (Cherie Knight-Batey) of Atlanta, GA and daughter Dana L. Batey-Hurd (Jeff Hurd) of Denver, CO and his brother, Charles Batey, Jr. (Jeanne) of Denver, CO.  Sam leaves behind 4 grandchildren, Jordan N. Batey of Jupiter, FL, Brooklyn J. Batey of Washington, D.C., Morgan L. Batey of Atlanta, GA, Pryce S. Batey of Denver, CO and his host of many other family and dear friends.

Please Note: Monday visitation is a Kappa Alpha Psi Service with a moment of reflections. Mask are required at both services.