Javier Enrique Lamas-Batista

Javier Enrique Lamas Batista was born in Havana, Cuba, to Antonio Buenaventura de Jesus Lamas y Parra and Carmen Patria Batista Dieguez-Lamas. He passed away on August 22, 2026. Though life carried him far from his birthplace, family remained the steady center of who he was.

Javier was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Hillarie Lamas-Batista; his children, Vanessa Williams, Christopher Lamas (Lore Lamas) and Carmen Lamas-Batista; his stepchildren, Ashley King (Josh King), Courtney Ward (Clinton Ward) and Brenden Kenney (Hayley Stone); and his grandchildren, Sophia Williams, Sean Williams, Hudson Ward, Isabelle King, Leon King, Hadley Ward and Charles Ward.

He is also survived by his brothers, Antonio Lamas and Mauricio Lamas; his nieces, Alexandra, Samantha, Marie, and Christina Lamas; and his extended family, including Michael Lamas and Jeanette Lamas. Javier was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, John Francisco Lamas and Robert Manuel Lamas.

Javier lived a full and remarkable life shaped by resilience, hard work, conviction, curiosity, and love for his family. He grew up with four brothers and carried fond memories of fishing or the Rickenbacker Causeway in Key Biscayne with his father and siblings, along with lively Cuban family pig roasts where food, stories, laughter, and family could carry on late into the night. These memories were part of the foundation that stayed with him throughout his life.

Javier was driven, skilled, and accomplished in his career, building a life's work grounded in craftsmanship, advocacy, and service. As a Union Carpenter in Atlanta and later an International Union Representative, he organized workers throughout the Southeast. He went on to represent thousands of poultry and meatpacking workers with the UFCW, helping them negotiate contracts and gain a stronger voice in the workplace. In Hawaii, he became a licensed union contractor and taught apprentices at Kauai Community College. Later, in Michigan, he continued to work, bringing the practical skill, discipline, and dedication that had defined him throughout his life.

Javier lived genuinely and on his own terms. He was never afraid to speak his mind or stand by his convictions. He believed in honesty, in standing up for what he thought was right, and in treating people as individuals. As Javier would say, he had “no tener pelos en la lengua”—he had no hair on his tongue. He said what he meant and meant what he said.

And then there were Javier's sayings. Those who knew him well will remember his favorite expressions, including his unforgettable description of someone as a “sniveling worm.” Like so many of Javier's words, it was delivered with his own unmistakable combination of conviction, humor, and personality.

Javier's journey took him from Cuba to Florida, Georgia, Texas, New Jersey, Hawaii, and Michigan, but his greatest journey was the life he shared with the people he loved. His stories, strong opinions, humor, work ethic, craftsmanship, and unmistakable personality will remain with those who knew him.

He leaves behind more than memories. He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply, children and grandchildren who carry his name and legacy, and countless people whose lives were touched by his determination, honesty, knowledge, and willingness to stand up for others.

Javier lived genuinely. He lived boldly. He lived as himself.

And that is how he will be remembered.

A few departing memories to share as we close the chapter on the life Javi lived.

Javi was serious about nightly prayers and teaching his daughter Carmen about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This was most important to Javi as was teaching Carmen about her Cuban heritage.

Javi loved to join with Carmen in arts and crafts, making messes at the table that Hillarie would have to clean up when getting home. He admired watching his daughter grow and learn to ride her bike.

Javi was one of one. His famous sayings (referenced above) and nicknames for places and people always brightened the room and raised laughter.

His best friend and the love of his life, Hillarie, always enjoyed listening to Javi’s long playlist of music and watching all of the movies. It was a weekly, if not nightly tradition.

Most of all, Javi loved taking trips. Especially if it included any body of water. Many times Javi, Hillarie, Carmen and extended Michigan family would travel together searching for new places to see. Whether it was going up the M22 route in fall, a hotel in Manistee on Lake Michigan, a cottage on a lake up north, his heart burned for adventure.

Lastly, Javi loved when a storm struck. A rainbow showing its beautiful face. Or a bald eagle flying high above the earth. He believed life was a daily gift even when the rain came. He believed in people, shining his hue of different colors for different situations. He lived it all. Now soaring like an eagle as he rests in eternity with God.