Pastor Joe Battle

 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28

Willie Joe Battle was born December 10, 1954, to Jodie Cook and Willie Mae Battle, in Ramer, Alabama. Raised by his mother and stepfather, the late Dr. Henry L. Butts in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, he was affectionately called Joe and was the oldest brother of 14 children. At the age of 13, Joe relocated with his family to the state of Louisiana where he earned his high school diploma from Green Oaks High School in Shreveport, Louisiana. He furthered his education, graduating top of his class in commercial electronics and HVAC from Caddo Career Center Vocational School.

Joe found his way to Arkansas. It was there where he joined First Missionary Baptist Church of Rockport, Arkansas, became a licensed minister, and later ordained as a pastor by Dr. J.N. McCollum, his pastor and mentor. He furthered his biblical studies earning a degree in Pastoral counseling in Dallas, Texas, and Pastoral care, and New Testament Studies in Arkadelphia, AR. Joe grew to become a legendary pastor, evangelist, and teacher. He was known for his unique and explosive teaching and ministry style. The impact of his spirit filled healing and blessing tent revivals, brought true transformation to thousands of people across the United States. There are many testimonies of souls being saved and of miracles taking place. Joe was known for his electrifying preaching and captivating sermons, such as, “I can’t sleep in the day, I can’t eat at night, because the woman I love won’t treat me right!”

In addition to his anointed preaching, Joe was also a multitalented, and noted gospel recording artist, musician, producer, and songwriter. Joe held recording contracts with Sacred Media Music (Daytona Beach, FL) and Shurfine Gospel Records (Atlanta, GA). He also served as session musician for the Bayou Recording Studio of Shreveport, LA. He has written and recorded with Bright Star Male Chorus, and many other artists. Pastor Joe Battle has shared the stage with such notables as Shirley Caesar, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, The Soul Stirrers, Walter Hawkins, and Rev. James Cleveland. Joe played the Hammond organ like no other! His iconic sound shifted the atmosphere and truly moved people. He appeared on television and a variety of radio programs.

Pastor Joe Battle committed most of his life to serving God, and his people. He founded, pastored, preached, created choirs, and played for churches all over Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. Joe was the founder and owner of the largest car audio, electrical, and musical instrument store in the state of Arkansas, Electro-Mart. He also had the privilege of working as program director and host for radio stations KMVA (Magnolia, AR), KCIJ (Shreveport, LA), and KDEL (Arkadelphia). While ministry, music, and work were important to Joe, so was his love for his family. He was a devoted Father to four gifted children, Sonya, Jerrell, Akelah, and Georgina all whom he instilled the love of God and his talents. While preaching in Paris, TX, Joe met the love of his life and friend, Anna McBride and they were married in September 2006. Joe and Anna were a true union brought together and blessed by God. They moved to Shreveport, LA where Joe pastored The Way, The Truth, and The Life Holiness Church until his passing, November 21, 2023.

Joe is preceded in death by his father, Jodi Cook, stepfather, Dr. Henry L. Butts, two brothers, Thomas Battle, and Donnie Green, and one sister Debra Butts.

He will be forever remembered and cherished by his devoted wife, Anna Battle, of Shreveport, LA; one son, Jerrell Battle, of Houston, TX; three daughters, Sonya Battle, of Charlotte, North Carolina, Akelah Battle-Woody (Zelotis) of Durham, North Carolina, and Georgina Battle, of Arkadelphia, AR; mother, Willie Mae Butts, of Daytona Beach, Florida; six brothers, Bishop Samuel Butts (Rose), William Butts (Nadicia), Henry L. Butts, Sr. (Jing), Daniel Butts (Kimberly), John Butts, and Henry Brislow; six sisters, Donna Butts Victory, Allison Butts-Gist (Reginald),Paula Butts, Sarah Butts, Grace Butts, and Clara Cook; three granddaughters, Genesis Williams, LiAsia Wright, and Zoey Woody; two grandsons, Jerremia Battle and Jerria Battle; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Services are under the direction of Good Samaritan Funeral Home of Shreveport, LA and Mitchell Funeral Home of Arkadelphia, AR. Visitation will be Friday, December 1, 2023, at Good Samaritan Funeral Home from 1 P.M.-4 P.M. A musical wake will be held at The Way, The Truth, and The Life Holiness Church of Shreveport, LA from 6 P.M.-8 P.M. The Celebration of Life will be Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Walnut Hill St. Mary’s Baptist Church in Shreveport, LA at 1:00 P.M. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Daytona Beach, FL. The online guestbook is available to sign at www.mitchellfuneralservices.com and/or www.goodsamaritanfuneralhome.com. Live stream will be available.