Robert L. Bateman, Jr.

Robert L. Bateman Jr. (aka "Brother") was born on April 26, 1947, in the Ten Mile Hill section of North Charleston, South Carolina. He was the Second Child of Four: One Sister, and Two  Brothers; of the late Robert L. and Clotell (Williams) Bateman. 

Robert was a great scholar, he Loved to Learn. His passion for Education started in North Charleston beginning at "Bethune Elementary" and proceeded at "Bonds-Wilson High School", where he became an Accomplished  Saxophone player in the Marching and Orchestra bands. After graduating High School in 1965, Robert then continued his Education in New York; where he graduated from "The College of Staten Island" in 1972 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Finance. While working on Wall Street he worked towards earning Masters-PhD degrees in Political Economics and Political Policy from "The  New School for Social Research, NYC". In 1977 he attended the Southern Law School in Baton Rouge, LA where he helped locals with paralegal issues.

Robert worked on Wall Street for five years as a Compliance and Legal Researcher, 10 years as a Mutual Benefits Insurance Agent, and eventually transitioned to working as a Budget Analyst for the City of Miami, FL. During the 1980’s he left his job to assist his Father in managing the ILA-1422A Welfare Plans in Charleston SC. Afterwards, In 1982, he created his own company "The Candle Burners Economic Research Group" (Tax Accounting, Financial Systems and Ancestry Research) and would later turn his Love for Education into Teaching Math & Business in Richland I, Public School System in Columbia, SC. 

Robert became an Over-Extender in every facet of his life, helping others regardless of his time and responsibilities. He spent over Five years in the Prison Ministry at local DJJs, he provided "Pro-Bono" work to Small Businesses in the Carolinas, and Served as a Consultant: CAI Public Strategies, LLC on Campaign, to Aid Black Veterans. In 1988-89, along with Dr. Robbie Chandler, Mr. Bateman (founded The "SCMBA" ) - "The South Carolina Minority Business Association". Author: “My Journey from Charleston to Brooklyn, NY” (unpublished book).

Robert’s Paternal Ancestors are the "Bateman" Family comprised of (Ministers, Union Leaders, Veterans) of Americus- Oglethorpe-Macon, Georgia and his maternal ancestors are The Smalls-Williams Family of Cross-Santee- Charleston County, SC. He has spent over 25 years researching family ancestries, from enslavement to freedom.

He graduated from the College of Staten Island in 1972 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Finance. While working on Wall Street he worked toward a (Masters-PhD) degree in Political Economy and Policy from the  New School for Social Research, NYC.  In 1977 he attended the Southern Law School in Baton Rouge, LA where he helped locals with paralegal issues.

Robert’s great love of God and wanting to be a servant to others under the spiritual guidance of Bishop Anna Lee Montgomery was ordained on February 9, 1997, as a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ by the Pentecostal Holiness Church,  Charleston, SC. 

Robert passed away peacefully at home on May 8, 2023, surrounded by his family and friends.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Robert L. and Clotell (Williams) Bateman Sr. and brother, Therone “Chief” Bateman

He leaves to mourn his passing  his wife of 40 years, Rosalind (Russell) Bateman; his son, Ian Russell Bateman; daughter, Avery Delores Bateman; and his grandchildren, Omari Hailey and Osha Gardner; his sister, Dr. Robertsena “Rob” (Maj. Albert) Chandler; brother, Apostle Zawaski (Maurice) Bateman; nephews, Albert “Jerry” Chandler, Jermal (Kristy) Chandler, and Therone “Buddah” Bateman; and nieces Chelera Bateman of Nassau, Bahamas; Princess Bateman of Kansas City and Evangeline “Vangie”  Simmons, beloved aunt, Ms. Bessie Williams Bateman; sisters-in-law, Mildred (Roy) Johnson, Connie Russell, and Veronica Pope Russell, host of cousins, grandnephews, grandnieces, and many other loving relatives and caring friends, all of whom will miss him dearly.