OTHANIEL BATTLE
Sept. 27, 1923-Nov. 19, 2005
On November 19, 2005, in the early hours of the morning, God called Othaniel Battle home to eternal rest. He was 82 years old.
He resided in Clinton, Md., and was formerly of Wayne County, Danville, Va., and Washington, D.C.
Othaniel was born in Wayne County on September 27, 1923 and was the eldest son of the late Geneva and Jesse Battle. His sister, Sara Lee Bens, and his youngest brother, Thomas Battle, preceded him in death.
Othaniel grew up in Wayne County and attended Central High School and A&T College in Greensboro, N.C. As a child he lived in the Best Station community and attended Holly Hill Church. He worked on the farm as a young boy and later married his childhood sweetheart, Edna Matthews.
One of Othaniel's passions and love in life was the game of baseball. Thus he moved his family to Danville, VA to play baseball for the Danville All-Stars. This was a dream come true for Othaniel and he instilled his love of the game in his family, especially his sons.
He leaves to cherish the memory of his life, his former wife and lifetime friend, Edna M. Battle of Goldsboro, N.C.; three sons, Mel Ott Battle (Shelbia) of Yanceyville, Keith Battle (Antionette) of Washington, D.C.; and Cassius Battle of Kansas City, Kan.; two daughters, Carole Battle of Goldsboro, N.C., Oteria Bell (Daniel) of Ft. Washington, Md.; one brother, Isaac Battle (Ruth) of Clinton, Md.; one aunt, Loletta Best of Goldsboro, N.C.; two brothers-in-law, Willie Matthews, Jr. (Annie Mae); and Willard Matthews (Doris), both of Goldsboro, NC; six sisters-in-law, Vanzalee Ashford of West Melbourne, Fla., Almerth Battle of Neptune, N.J.; Loree Durham, Shirley Perry, and Elnora Vinson, all of Goldsboro, N.C.; Helen Tillman of Washington, D.C.; fourteen grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, Nov. 24, 2005, from 7 until 8 p.m. at Fulton Funeral Home, 219 Dillard School Drive, Yanceyville, N.C.
The family will receive friends in Yanceyville at the home of Mel Ott and Shelbia Battle, 618 Melvin Wrenn Road.
The funeral services will be held for Mr. Battle on Friday, Nov. 25, 2005, at Woods Chapel F.W.B. Church, 928 New Hope Road, Goldsboro, N.C., with visitation from 12 until 1 p.m. and the funeral service at 1 p.m. Elder Ricky L. Dawson will officiate.
The family will receive friends in Goldsboro at the home of Carole Battle, 424 Millers Chapel Road.
Local announcement by Hamilton Funeral Chapel of Goldsboro.
(Written & Paid by the Family)
Published in Obituaries on November 23, 2005 1:58 PM