Harry Lee Battle Sr. , 80, associate Minister of 2nd Baptist Church of Centralia went home to the welcoming arms of his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on July 9, 1942, the son of Willie Sr. and Viola (Mastin) Battle in Huntsville, Alabama. He married the love of his life Barbara Wiggins on April 8, 1967, in Lorain, Ohio and she survives him in Centralia.

Along with his beloved wife of 55 years, survivors that will remember Harry's contagious smile include his children Harry Jr. (Michele) Battle of Centralia, Illinois, Marvin (Sheila) Battle of Edwardsville, Illinois, Steven Battle of Centralia, Illinois, David Battle of Centralia, Illinois, and Diamond Battle of Centralia, Illinois; grandchildren Tiana White, Darion White, Chantz Battle, Shaelyn Lawson (F'Sean Clark), Brandon Battle, Tanisha Battle, Maliyah Battle; siblings Irene (James) Carter, Willie Jr. (Peggy) Battle, Glenda Foster, Alice Jackson, Chaplain Florida Battle, Pastor Ernest (Lavenia) Battle; Sylvia (Robert) Young, and Joe Martin; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Daris Smith, Ethel Graphreen, Valsie (Al) Homes, Willie Ben Jr. (Cindy) Wiggins, Elvis Wiggins, Kenny Wiggins, Luther Wiggins, Vernon Wiggins, Marsha (David) Heppner, Dolly Nall, and Lizzy (Gene) Burnnett; son-in-law Gerald White; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

Mr. Battle was preceded in death by his parents Willie Sr. and Viola Battle; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Forrestine Davis, Claude Wiggins, Johney Foster, Tommy Jackson, and Will Graphreen; and his daughter Sylvia Lynn White.

Mr. Battle was a proud United States Marine veteran who served his country with honor during the Vietnam conflict. He was an amazing example to his family of a man of integrity and respect. Until his retirement, Harry was a loyal employee of Texico, working in the oil fields for them for over 30 years. He was a former member of Antioch Baptist Church in Lorain, Ohio and current member of Second Missionary Baptist Church in Centralia, Illinois. Although he was known to go fishing with anyone that would drop a line with him, Harry loved spending a day fishing with his brother Ernest and his wife. He was a great hunter, sharing stories of hunting deer, rabbits, squirrels and basically anything with four legs. Harry thought of himself as a shade tree mechanic who liked to tinker with cars. He was a master when it came to woodworking, creating beautiful cabinets and other pieces he was proud of. Harry above all loved time spent with his family, showing off his grandchildren as a proud Grandpa. Harry was loved by so many, and his heavenly homecoming will be celebrated as he is now in complete peace.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 26, 2022, at the New Bethel Primitive Baptist Church in Lorain, Ohio with his brother Pastor Ernest Battle and Pastor Tyrome Holley officiating. Friends are welcome to a visitation time from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday at the church in Ohio. Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Lorain, Ohio where Military Rites will be accorded. A memorial service will be held at a later date at the Second Missionary Baptist Church in Centralia, Illinois with Rev. Isaac Parker officiating. Memorials may be made in Harry's honor to the Family's Wishes and will be accepted for the family at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia. Online condolences and memories of Harry may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home's Facebook page.