Russell Alexander Battle was born on October 12, 1948 to Louise Lockhart Merritt-Battle and Russell Lee Battle, in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Russell attended Howard Elementary School, took vocational classes and graduated from Riverside High School in 1966. He joined the United States Army and received an Honorable Discharge.
Shortly, thereafter, he moved to New Jersey and worked at General Motors and for the Long Island Railroad System. Later on, he worked in New York City until he retired in 2013.
Prior to his retirement, he met his Soul Mate, Edith Roach and married her on October 19, 2013; a match made in heaven, which created our blended family.
Under Christian experience, Russell joined the Pilgrim Baptist Church in Red Bank, NJ. He was a faithful member, serving on the Senior Usher's Ministry, the Men's Fellowship Ministry, the Adult Sunday School and the Annual Pilgrim Baptist Church Community Festival Legend's Cove Committees.
Russell loved the Lord, his church family and life. His other passions included, date nights with his wife, holiday gatherings at Aunt Ruth's house, big family cook-outs at Sister's (Deaconess Ethel Palmer's) house, dancing, music, roller skating, movies, sports, vacationing, going for rides with his wife, calling his friends and having fun with his blended family, his sons and grandchildren. He also loved dining out and meeting new people. Let's not forget the big smile on his face, whenever he heard Uncle Oscar's deep, sultry voice on the telephone or as he attended one of Collin's theatrical performances or hockey games!
Russell was predeceased by his mother, Louise Lockhart Merritt-Battle; his father, Russell Lee Battle; his brother, Tyrone Battle and his sister, Gloria Smith.
He leaves his legacy of life to his beloved wife, Edith Roach-Battle and her family; his sons Kolonji Ato and Khayri Amin; grandchildren, Victor, Krystal and Khalil; great grandson, Khayri Uzziel; his beloved blended family, whom he has loved and enjoyed immensely; Beth L. Roach-Lewis MD (spouse: 1SG Daniel E. Lewis, USA Ret.), Bruce L. Roach, PhD (spouse: Sheryl A. Roach, PhD), Collin L. Roach, grandson and Tyrone K. Harmon, BS, step-son; Aunt Ruth Lampley (NJ), Uncle Oscar Lockhart (spouse: Aunt Rita; TN); LaFredia (Freda) Johnson (ATL); Deborah (Debo) Hampton (ATL); Cynthia Merritt (TN); Leon Merritt (spouse: Barbara; AL); Jimi Merritt (CA); Seabron Battle (spouse:Mickey; TN) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and best friends.
