Mr. Billy Jay Battle

Billy Jay Battle passed away August 14, 2015 at The Lutheran Home at Trinity Oaks after a brief period of declining health. Born September 13, 1921 in Wylam, Alabama (a suburb of Birmingham), he graduated Ensley High School in Ensley, Alabama. His college career at Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University) was interrupted by his service in the U.S. Army. Because he was an ROTC student in high school and college, he started his military career in Officer’s Candidate School. He served our country in WWII as a First Lieutenant where he received various medals for his achievements. He arrived in Normandy DD+3 and spent most of his years of service in Europe. After his Honorable Discharge from active duty February 20, 1946, he returned to graduate from Alabama Polytechnic Institute in 1948, where he earned a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering. He married the love of his life, June Creatore, on September 19, 1946. He first worked for American Locomotive Company in Schenectady, New York as a Field Engineer during which time he traveled extensively for the company in the U.S. and Mexico. Later he joined U.S. Pipe and Foundry Company in Birmingham, Alabama as a Principal Product Engineer. During his employment with the company, he designed multiple products and has various patents to his credit. He earned his State of Alabama Professional Engineer license in 1958. Predeceased by a brother, Jack Battle and his parents, Eark and Bessie Jane Battle, Bill has the following surviving family: Wife June Battle, daughters Jayne Helms (John) and Betsy Reeves (Lamar) and grandchildren Abby White, Harrison White, Christopher Helms and Racheal Reeves. He is also survived by special niece , Tissy Swann (Danny) and grand nephew Attison Swann. He was a member of Riverchase Methodist Church. During earlier years, he was a member of the Lions Club. Bill was a photographer and enjoyed reading. He was very interested in learning about new things all his life. An avid hunter, he also enjoyed traveling and did a lot of traveling throughout his life. He had a passion for trains and contributed to many books written about railroad history. He was a devoted husband, father and totally doting grandfather. His memory will live on through his grandchildren who adore him. Graveside burial will be Friday (8/28) at 11:00 a.m. at The U.S. National Cemetery, Statesville Blvd location in Salisbury, NC. The family will receive friends at the home after the service. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests a donation to the NC Transportation Museum, 411 South Salisbury Avenue, Spencer, NC 28159 or The School of Engineering at Auburn University: via web address: https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1715/giving/index.aspx?sid=1715&gid=2&pgid=390&cid=1009

Mr. Billy Jay Battle

September 13, 1921 - August 14, 2015