Columbus, GA- Master Sergeant Aubrey M. Batts, (United States Army, Retired) of Columbus passed away Monday at Columbus Hospice. He was 77 years of age and resided at 134 Playa Delray Drive.

MSG Batts was born in Washington, D.C. and was the son of the late William Henry and Nannie Hines Batts. He was a member of Pinehurst Baptist Church and obtained an Associate degree at Troy State University. He was a proud U. S. Army Ranger who retired following 22 years of dedicated service to his country. He was also retired from Civil Services, Ft. Benning, GA after 20+ years with the Range Control Operations. He was a member of the WWII Rangers Association, Triple Nickels Association, Airborne Association, American Legion Post #267, DAV Chapter #56, the U.S. Army Ranger Association and the National Infantry Association. MSG Batts was inducted into the U. S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame in 1995 and was a member of the Distinguished Rangers Jr. Training Brigade.

Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, William E. Batts, and three sisters, Garney Batts Jackson, Shirley Batts and Henrietta Batts Greene.

Survivors include: his wife of 52 years, Mrs. Gracie Guest Batts; two daughters, LTC Rena M. Batts-Elmore (LTC Ret. Hugh) and Audrey Batts Watson (Tim); two beloved granddaughters, Aubrey Grace and Bella Marie Watson; two sisters, Delores Batts Butler and Margaret Batts Todd; a brother-in-law, Isaac Guest; a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

The Homegoing Celebration for MSG (Ret) Batts will be held Monday, May 2, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Main Post Chapel on Ingersoll Street, Fort Benning, GA with interment in Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery. Full Military Honors will be accorded. Visitation is Today, 2 until 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The cortege will depart from the residence at 10:30 the morning of the service. Condolences may be expressed at progressivefuneralhome.com. Progressive Funeral Home, Inc. "A Touch of Dignity for Those Who Care."