John Thomas Battle Sr.

John grew up in a hardworking farming family alongside his siblings, Carr Emmitt “Boss” Battle Jr., John “Tommy” Battle, Billy Battle, Claude Battle, twins Calvin Battle and Carrie Shabb, and Emery Battle. His mother, Frances, was previously married to William James Shoffner in Victoria, Arkansas, from 1920 to 1927. Together they had three sons, James, Roy, and David Shoffner, who later became part of the Battle family and came to the farm in Byhalia when Frances married Carr Emmitt Sr.

John was united in marriage to his devoted wife, Freddie Jean Hanna Battle, on April 17, 1957, in Memphis, Tennessee. They shared 69 years of marriage and made their home in Westville, Illinois, until Freddie’s passing on January 29, 2025. Their love and devotion to one another remained a beautiful part of their family throughout their lives.

John is survived by his daughters, Janet Elizabeth Thorley and Shannon Lynn Camp; his son, Mark Randall Battle; and his beloved grandchildren, Leslie Lynn Hallgren, Christopher Aaron Camp, Jacob Ian Thorley, John Thomas Battle, Erik Franklin Camp, Sami Kay Battle, Rachel Nicole Gaines, and Marc Jaxon Camp. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Caleb Noah Gaines and Lydia Abigail Gaines.

He was preceded in death by his son, John Thomas Battle Jr., who passed away on November 13, 2023, and by his beloved wife, Freddie Jean.

John proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1950 to 1952. He was a member of the 101st Airborne Division, serving as a paratrooper in Korea and earning the distinction of being a “Screaming Eagle.” He later served as a Military Police officer in Germany. His military service was a source of great pride throughout his life.

John was a professional long-haul truck driver and was known for his strong work ethic and willingness to help others. He also attended Tennessee Temple in Chattanooga, where he studied at the seminary. During that time, he formed a special friendship with Brother Teddy Steele. Brother Steele remembered John fondly and shared with the family, “He would give you the shirt off his back.” Those words capture the generous and caring spirit that John carried throughout his life.

John loved sports and remained an enthusiastic fan throughout his years. He played baseball and basketball in junior college and continued to follow his favorite teams, especially the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears. He also loved playing Canasta with family and treasured the time spent together at family gatherings.

John lived a life centered around faith, family, service, hard work, and friendship. He will be deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends. The memories of his kindness, humor, generosity, and devotion to those he loved will remain with them always.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate John’s life on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Heady-Radcliffe Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 706 W. Jefferson St., La Grange, KY 40031. Visitation will be held from 12:00 PM until 1:00 PM, with the service beginning at 1:00 PM. Following the service, John will be placed with his beloved wife, Freddie, in the New Albany National Cemetery Columbarium at 2:30 PM.