Willie J. Battle "James", born February 8, 1954, in Hatchechubbee, Alabama.  He was the fourth child born to the union of Willie Battle, Jr. (deceased) and Nancy Leonard Battle (deceased).  He accepted Christ at an early age and joined Shady Grove AME Zion Church and remained a faithful member until enlisting in the military.  Prior to becoming Sr. Pastor of Power of Faith Church of God in Christ, he served dutifully as a Son, Brother, Uncle, Father, and Husband.

Willie graduated from Russell High School and attended Phillips college where he majored in Automotive Engineering, later joined the United States Air Force as an Electronics Communication Specialist graduating with equivalent Bachelor of Science.  He later married his adoring wife Virginia in September 1978.  As a member of the United States Air Force, he traveled abroad serving tours of duty in the Philippines, Germany, Italy, Turkey to name a few locations.  He was promoted several times and achieved mastery certifications.  He retired from the Air Force in December 1997 at the rank of Master Sergeant and continued working as a Federal Contractor for 10 years while also serving as a full-time Pastor.

Willie was most notably known for his faithfulness and kindheartedness.  His laugh was contagious, and his smile would fill a room with warmth and love.  His passions were electronics, automobiles, and traveling.  His determination and drive pushed him to a great life and career achievements.  He Pastored Power of Faith Church of God in Christ since 2002 along with his Wife Evangelist Virginia Battle and served the community in love and faithfulness.

Our hearts are tremendously broken, and our sorrows run deep, we dearly miss him but will forever carry him in our hearts and lives.  It's difficult to understand that matters as such, are in The Lord's Hand.  Willie transitioned in the evening hours of December 28, 2021.  The Lord knew he was enervated and delivered him unto Heaven's Garden for his eternal rest.

He leaves to cherish his rich legacy, his loving wife Virginia; sons Yuri from Kennesaw, GA (wife Loni, grandsons: Elijah, Matthew); Adrian from Tracy, CA (wife Jyotsna, grandchildren: Izaiah, Mayah); Siblings:  Gena Thomas (deceased), Bettie Upshaw (Huntsville, AL), Daisy Battle (Hatchechubbee, AL), Amanda Battle (Columbus, GA), Linda Battle (deceased).  Maternal Aunts: Lillie Estes (Atlanta, GA), Mandy Leonard (Hatchechubbee, AL), and a host of nephews, cousins, friends, family, loving neighbors and an extended medical network of medical professionals and caregivers.