Tributes

James Ray (Bud) Battle was born James Ray Battle on February 12, 1936, in Greenville, North Carolina to the late Mary Mae Battle-Clemons and Leroy Daniels. Although he was an only child, he had oodles of uncles and aunts who were like siblings to him who preceded him in death. There are also a few 1st cousins who he also considered his younger siblings (Henry Battle, Jesse Battle, Lucy Mae Hardy, Doris Battle and Bernice Battle – both preceded him death). James Ray grew up in a home with his mother, grandmother, aunts and uncles. He attended Pitt County Training School of Grimesland, NC and worked in the tobacco fields where he saved all his earnings until he was ready to travel and explore the northern states. When his grandmother Hattie saw that he was old enough and ready to move from the south, she gave him his savings and told him to not get into any trouble and to watch out for those fast women up north. She told Bud to catch a ride with his Uncle James Ed back to Baltimore, Maryland. So, in 1955 at the age of 19, Bud left Greenville, NC with his one suitcase and $300. His plan was to go to Connecticut and reconnect with his friends from down south and make Connecticut his home. During his stay in Baltimore, he got a job at Hopkins Hospital. That’s where he met Lucy, married a year later and began his life journey with her. Bud was proud of his hometown, he visited home every year, every chance he got. Bud took his family on the road trip every summer to Greenville. Visiting his hometown was a part of his life even if he had to take the train. James Ray knew and loved the Lord at a young age. He gave his life to Christ in his mid-thirties. He worshiped at New Friendship Baptist Church up until he became ill and then New Friendship Baptist Church came to him for communion and fellowship, he and his wife, Lucy. James Ray was a pretty good cook too. A couple of his favorite dishes he was known for were his fabulous fresh shoulder bar-b-que and delicious cabbage w/ potatoes. Bud absolutely loved sports, particularly baseball, especially since he played on a traveling team (City Hawks Baseball Team) for a little while with his cousins and friends from down home at Lake Clifton Park in Baltimore, MD. He played third base and was good at it. James Ray was a dedicated worker for General Motors for 30 years and received numerous certificates and employee recognition awards for outstanding work performance (never missing a day from work and always punctual) before retiring. James Ray had an impeccable work ethic. He said that “he paid the cost to be the boss!” After retirement, he worked for a couple more years at St. Mary’s Seminary. Even the staff there didn’t want him to leave. James Ray was a smooth type of guy, smooth dresser who loved his smooth grooves music. He definitely had a certain swag about him but never boastful -- always cool, calm and collected. His love for music, dance and song, spilled over into his children – they share that same love for music. James Ray always said that “you learn more from listening instead of talking so much.” After 66 years of marriage, James Ray Battle leaves to cherish his memory: wife, Lucy J. Battle; daughter,Theodosia R. Battle-Norris, son-in-law, Robert Norris; daughter, Johnnifer Battle; daughter, Valerie Hux, son-in-law, Garry Hux; son, James Battle, Jr.; daughter Judie R. Cook, son-in-law, David Cook; and son, Victor Harper and daughter-in-law, Latonga Harper; 12 grandchildren (Jeremiah, Tysonn, Brandon, Garry Jr., Rashaud, James III, Michael Deon, Victoria, April, Gavin, Vashti and Victor Jr.); and 18 great grandchildren; two brothers -in-law, Willie Mac and Edward Stevenson; and two sisters-in-law, Willetter Stevenson and Alberta Stevenson; and one aunt, Alice Battle; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends, including beloved neighbors.

Tributes

James Ray "Bud" Battle

February 12, 1936 - May 16, 2023