John Bascombe Battle
March 27, 1897 ~ June 24, 2000
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Mr. Battle was born March 27, 1897, in Jackson County and was a son of the late William and Lou Zena Hughes Battle. He was an Army veteran of WW I where he served in the infantry in France.
He was a graduate of Western Carolina College and was a merchant in Whittier for many years. He was a member the Shrine and a 75-year member of the Dillsboro Lodge #459, A.F. and A.M.
His hobby was gathering a rare and extensive collection of tools and artifacts made by mountain forebears, a collection which he gave to Western Carolina University. He had previously housed the collection in a hand-hewn log building which he erected in the Ela community until he retired and closed the museum in 1970. He was the subject of a John Parris “Roaming the Mountains” article in the Asheville Citizen-Times.
In 1983 the University presented him with the Mountain Heritage Award as “a man who has provided us with a strong link to the past and whose contribution to the present and future has already been assured” according to Dr. James E. Dooley, former vice-chancellor of WCU.
Surviving him are his wife of 66 years, Verna DeBord Battle; one daughter, Jean Battle Fisher and her husband Bob of Asheville; one son, John B. Battle, Jr., and his wife Annette of North Wilkesboro; a step-son A.A. “Nick” Nichols and his wife Jan of Tallahassee, FL; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Joan Elizabeth Battle, in 1975.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 am Monday in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home with the Rev. Dr. James H. Johnson officiating. Masonic graveside services will be conducted by the Dillsboro lodge at 1:00 pm Monday at Swain Memorial Park, Bryson City. The lodge will open at noon.
Pallbearers will be grandsons, Michael Fisher, Philip Fisher, John Isaac Battle, Brian C. Battle, Jeffery D. Battle, and Gregory Nichols.
His family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.
Memorials may be made to the West Asheville Baptist Church Building Fund, 926 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806, or to the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, 940 W. Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29506.
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Mike , Alex , and I are so sorry to learn of Uncle John’s passing. Our love and prayers are with you all. May God comfort our family at this time as we reflect on the long , full life of Uncle John. It is still hard for us to think Mama Dee is gone as well. We plan to see you all on Monday.
Take Care ,
Love , Mike , Sharon , and Alex Heffner
Mr. Battle was a fine man. I had the pleasure of living close to him for a few years. I will always remember his kind words and advise. My prayers are with his family.
Let our good brother John Battle live in everlasting peace.
Jack Wolfenson 3rd
John will always be in my heart.I loved him Very much.
It was a great joy taking care of him at Aston Park.
Rick Parker
Though I’m no longer a member of the family, Little Pappy will always hold a special place in my heart and in the hearts of my girls.
They got a real tickle out of being his ‘trifling things’… and I was always amazed by his stamina~ I can still see him in his large garden behind the house in Whittier…at nearly 90 yrs. of age then!
He was a true gentleman of great character, who loved his family and his community and took great pride in them both.
Rest in peace, Pappy.
Love,
Amy
I am remembering Mr. Battle sitting so tall and straight in his chair at Aston Park, always pleasant and smiling. May God grant you peace and understanding at this time. Love to all, Helen
Jean & Bob Fisher:
Please accept our deepest sympathies on the loss of your father. Out thoughts are with you at this time. We regret our inability to attend as our daughter-in-law is going to the hospital at 7 am on Monday.
Percy and Kanthi
My sincere sympathy to the family of John Battle. I had the pleasure of visiting with him many years ago when he donated his collection to WCU. That experience remains strong in my memory and an ever-present part of my life as I work daily with the artifacts he collected throughout a lifetime.
I was sorry to hear about John’s death, but what a rich heritage you share. I would enjoy seeing all of you. Sorry that I could not attend the services. I had a previous commitment in Brevard today. Carolyn
Dear John,
Your Dad must have been a very wonderful person from all that we have heard. You are very blessed to have had him so long. The service was very touching. We will see you soon.
Sam and Lynn