Mr. Phillip Battle, Sr., age 78, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 19, 2017 at approximately 8:00 a.m. at Baton Rouge Nursing Center in Lima.

He was born on May 4, 1938 in Eufaula (Battle), Alabama to Sam Battle and Lizzie Peterson; both parents preceded him in death.

On January 11, 1958 he was united in holy matrimony to Betty J. (Youngblood) Battle, she survives in Lima.

Mr. Battle retired from Teledyne Ohio Steel as a Security Guard.  He was a member of New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church and New Greater Grace Baptist Church.  He loved to sing and dance and had formerly danced in New York under the name of Shakin Willie.  He was the first Black cameraman at WLIO having worked with Easter Straker.  He had an award winning Bar B Que, sauce that he touted with the best.

Besides his loving wife Betty, he leaves to cherish his precious memory 2 sons; Rev. Phillip Battle, Jr. (Cathy) of Pittsburg, PA and James Battle of Lima, OH.  2 daughters; Gertha Denise White (Darrell) and Peggy D. Battle both of Lima.  13 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.  A brother; Samuel M. Battle (Sandra) of Elyria, OH.  2 sisters;  Lela Washington (Frank) of Los Angeles, CA and Fannie Reid (Arthur) of Atlanta, GA. 2 special daughters; Debra Ann Crockett and Kahey Smith (Johnny).  A host of nieces,nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by a brother; David Harvey and 6 sisters; Ruby Amerson, Scentral Battle, Alfreda Peters, Katherine Johnson, Altina James and Shirley Battle.

Home going services will be held on Friday, January 27, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. C. M. Manley,  officiating.

Visitation/wake services will be held on Thursday, January 26, 2017 at New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the family present from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Interment - Woodlawn Cemetery