Frederick “Rick” Leo Bateman, Jr. ’79

Frederick “Rick” Leo Bateman, Jr. ’79, 55, of Tallahassee, Fla., died Dec. 3, 2012, at Emory Hospital in Atlanta, Ga. Born March 11, 1957, in Mitchell County, Bateman was the son of Freddie Bateman of Camilla, Ga., and Peggy Boutwell Carroll of Stark, Fla. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church of Tallahassee, Fla. Bateman will be remembered as a prominent trial attorney and advocate, both in the courtroom and before numerous governmental agencies. His law practice focused on complex business litigation, where he had a reputation as zealous counsel second to none. Before legislative bodies, Bateman was a political force in representing the interests of the development community. After completing law school at the University of Florida, Bateman began practicing law in Orlando, Fla. In the early years of his practice, he relocated to Tallahassee. At the time of his death, Bateman was affiliated with the business trial group of Morgan & Morgan, as well as the principal of the Bateman Harden law office. Bateman was an active member of the executive committee of the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Council of Leon County, as well as the Leon County Citizens Charter Review Committee. Bateman was active in philanthropic activities; his favorite charity was the Special Olympics. Survivors include two daughters, Madison Bateman and Callie Bateman, 2057 Chatsworth Way, Tallahassee, FL 32309-2967; his father, Freddie Bateman (Mary Lynn); his mother, Peggy Boutwell Carroll (Levon); five brothers, Steve Bateman (Corrie), Todd Bateman (Sonya), Bert Crosson (Haley), Luke Crosson (LeeAnn), and Lynn Crosson (Mallory); one sister, Carrie McLendon (Jim); a cousin and business partner, Paul Harden; and several nieces and nephews.