Mr. John Earl Battle, 70, of Sanford, North Carolina entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Rockingham, North Carolina.                

John Earl Battle was born on December 10, 1953, in Sanford, North Carolina, to the late Albert T. Battle and Mary J. Battle. He was one of six children. 

John was raised in Colon and attended Deep River School, where he graduated in 1972. There, he excelled in both track and basketball. After graduation, he attended Pembroke State University.  He worked at Sanford Brick and Tile Company for many years and then at Coty for 35 years, until he retired.

He joined Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. He worked faithfully with the youth and was a Sunday School teacher. Later on, he joined Deliverance Evangelistic Center under the  leadership of the late Pastor Lula Battle. He was called into the ministry and became the Assistant Pastor there, until his health began to fail. He took pride in having a personal relationship with  Jesus Christ and was a source of encouragement to anyone who met him. He had great faith and was an inspiration to others.

He was a devoted father and grandfather. He loved spending time with his family. He loved the word of God. He used to read the word every day to his parents and enjoyed sharing the word with  others. He often spoke at other church events and had a rest home ministry. He had a passion for spreading the gospel. He loved the Lord but also had a love for both fishing and playing basketball. He was gifted at both, and received many awards throughout the years. He loved sharing his gifts with the community by hosting basketball tournaments and coaching. He  shared his love of fishing with his children, family, and friends. He found peace while fishing, and anyone who went with him knew they would be there all day.

John was preceded in death by his father, Albert T. Battle, brother, Charles Battle, and Deloris Ellerby, and a brother-in-law, Pete Davis.

He leaves to cherish love and memories, his wife, Cheryl Battle; his mother, Mary J. Battle; five children, Martina B. Baldwin (Tim), John E. Battle Jr. (Glenda), Shante Petty (Patrick), Obrian  Davis, and Jamar Davis; seventeen grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two sisters, Stella Gunter (Edward) and Mary Alice Davis; two brothers, George Battle (Ella Mae) and Donnie Ray Battle (Renee); three close friends that he cherished dearly who were also ministers, Reverend Reginald Brewington, Bishop Ezra A. Person, and Reverend Kenneth Headen. They would often spend  long hours discussing the bible and spreading the gospel. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

If we could see Dad right now, his words to Jesus would be, “What a mighty God we serve”.

We extend our prayers and sincere condolences to family and loved ones of Mr. John Earl Battle.

Arrangements are entrusted to McLeod Funeral Home of Sanford, North Carolina.

******The Family will receive friend on Saturday, April 13, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm only at 2405 Old Colon Road, Sanford, North Carolina 27330.******