Obituary for Charles Battle

Charles Battle, age 92, of Hayesville, North Carolina, passed away on November 4, 2026, about a month before his 93rd birthday.

He lived a long and remarkable life centered on his love of family, dedication to education, and passion for the outdoors. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, educator, coach, hunter, fisherman, golfer, and friend whose kindness, wisdom, and quiet strength touched the lives of many people in his community and beyond.

Charles began his career in education at Nantahala, teaching and coaching basketball for two years. He was then drafted and served two years in the Army. Upon completing his military service, he spent eight years teaching and coaching basketball at Hayesville High School. He later continued his career at Tri-County Community College, where he served as an instructor for twenty-three years. Throughout his thirty-one years as an educator, he shared his knowledge, experience, and encouragement with generations of students as both a teacher and a coach.

An avid outdoorsman, Charles enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout his life. He was an accomplished storyteller, and he enjoyed sharing tales of his adventures with family and friends. His sons grew up listening to those stories and joined him on many hunting and fishing trips, creating memories and stories of their own. Charles was also an enthusiastic golfer who continued playing until the remarkable age of 91. He was one of the few golfers who could regularly boast about shooting under his age.

Above all, Charles was a family man. He was a rare mix of gentle and strong. He led by example, demonstrating the importance of kindness, hard work, integrity, and caring for others. His steady presence, sense of humor, and love for his family will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Ruby Battle, and his beloved wife of 49 years, Joyce Battle, who passed away in 2012 and shared his dedication to education as a teacher.

He is survived by his two sons, Jeff Battle and his wife, Kim, and David Battle and his wife, Beth; three granddaughters, Dr. Jennifer Shuman and her husband, Craig, Alyssa Allen, and Lexi Battle; and two great-grandsons, Rowan Shuman and Declan Shuman. He is also survived by his brother, Neil Battle, and his wife, Lorene.

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Hospice of North Carolina (https://www.hospiceofnorthcarolina.org/make_a_donation.php).

Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Townson-Rose Funeral Home.