Memory Book: Wilbert "Sonny" Battle

In Loving Memory

Wilbert “Sonny” Battle October 27, 1933 - November 17, 2019 Viewing Monday, December 2 4:00-8:00pm

Resthaven/Carr-Tenney Mortuary & Memorial Gardens 4310 E. Southern Avenue, Phoenix 85042

A Celebration of Life Tuesday, December 3 10:00am Viewing 11:00am Service

First Institutional Baptist Church 1141 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix 85034 Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr., Senior Pastor

Remembering Wilbert OBITUARY

Bill, Will or Sonny? If you called him Bill, you were a co-worker during his years at the United States Post Office. If you called him Will, you were probably a member of Desert Mashie Golf Club or someone with whom he played golf. If you called him Sonny, you are family.

Wilbert “Sonny” Battle was born October 27, 1933, to Almeda Williams and Clarence Battle (pictured at right) in Honey Grove, Texas. His mother died when he was a baby, so he was raised by his grandmother: Frances Williams.

When he was a child, he moved in with Aunt Alice and Uncle Arch. He attended Bralley-Pendleton High School in Honey Grove. There he met the love of his life, Sarah Huddleston. They married June 13, 1953.

Wilbert was drafted into the Army in 1954. He served two years before taking an honorable release in 1956, and returning to Texas. In search of a better life for his family, he decided to head west. Fortunately for our family, on his way to California his Uncle Charlie stopped him in Phoenix, Arizona. He gave him a job at The Tops Bar on Buckeye Road. After working several different jobs, “Bill” began employment at the United States Post Office, where he worked for 33 years. He started as a mail handler, became a maintenance mechanic and ended his career as a supervisor.

Sometime during the early 60s, in between raising kids and working, “Will” took up the game of golf.

He fell in love with the game and spent many weekends playing golf all over the Valley or just hitting balls. He took his family on many golf trips. He also became a member of Desert Mashie Golf Club.

In the early 90s, Wilbert became a member of First Institutional Baptist Church. He began working on the “Bulletin Crew” and became their self-appointed supervisor. He attended church and Sunday School almost every Sunday until his health began to fail.

Wilbert was a particularly witty, kind and generous man. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved his church. He loved meeting people and could have a conversation with anyone; he never met a stranger. He believed in working hard, helping others and having a strong relationship with God. He passed away November 17, 2019, at 86. He was preceded in death by: his son, Jeffrey Lee; his daughter, Joyce Dozier; his beloved sister, Eloise McCoy; and his brother, Roy Jean. He also was preceded in death by his cousin and “protector” Barbara Faye Floyd. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of 66 years, Sarah; his children, Rhonda, Michael, Thomas (Brenda), Todd (Margaret) and Kimberly; 15 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; his best friend, Gene Turner; brother-in-law Grover McCoy; Aunt Clara Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Will/Bill/Sonny is dancing, singing and shouting in heaven with no worries and feeling no pain!

He will be missed!

Until we meet again . . .




HomegoingCelebration ORDER OF SERVICE Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr., Officiating Senior Pastor, First Institutional Baptist Church Music By Bro. Roney Jones Processional: “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” Musical Selection: “The Lord’s Prayer” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Terry Yahweh Scripture Readings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Felicia Corbett Old Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalm 23 New Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 Prayer of Comfort Musical Selection: “It Is Well With My Soul” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Terry Yahweh Special Tributes (3 minutes) Sis. Peggy Wilson, Church School Ministry Sis. Nancy Hooper, The Bulletin Crew Thomas Battle, Son Video Presentation Acknowledgments & Resolutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sis. Nancy Hooper Reading of Obituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Davanna Kirksey Musical Selection: “I Won’t Complain” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bro. Roney James Eulogy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pastor Stewart Recessional: “Let The Church Say Amen”

Interment & Final Arrangements Entrusted To Resthaven/Carr-Tenney Mortuary & Memorial Gardens 4310 E. Southern Avenue, Phoenix 85042 Repast The Worship Center Fellowship Hall First Institutional Baptist Church

ACTIVE PALLBEARERS Jeffrey Battle Erik Battle Todd Battle, Jr. Bryan Battle Jalen Porter Jahmar McLaurin HONORARY PALLBEARERS Michael Battle Thomas Battle Todd Battle Ricardo Bauman Ryan Watson George Dozier, Jr. Eugene Huddleston, Jr. Lt. Col. Allen Kirksey, USAF (Retired)

Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

Proverbs 17:6 (KJV)

GRANDCHILDREN Christina Dozier Cheritha Dozier Bonnie Singletary George Dozier Jr. Rebecca Dozier Jodi Battle Jeffrey Battle Lauren Battle Erik Battle Alexis Battle Taylor Battle Tiffani Battle Jasmen Battle Todd Battle Jr. Bryan Battle

GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN Jalen Porter Janessa Dozier Jahmar McLaurin Tiyana Dozier Mattilyn Dozier Kalani Dozier George Dozier III Sariah McLaurin Ciara McLaurin Jahmire Battle Louis Armstrong Erin Valenzuela Tavi Battle Josiah Walton Jeremiah Walton Sade Dozier Kairo Walker Levi Battle




Thank You

The Family of Wilbert Battle wishes to express our profound and deep appreciation for the many expressions of love, kindness and concern extended to us during the time of his illness and throughout this season of bereavement.

Thank you for keeping us near and dear to your hearts. — The Battle Family