Deacon Lindsay Eugene Battle Sr. was born on September 8, 1955, in Thomasville, Georgia, to the late Joseph and Elizabeth Battle. He was the seventh child in a close-knit family and was raised on Teddy Street and South Street alongside his siblings: John Lee Jones, Bobby Joe Battle, Lorenzo Battle, Charles Battle, Pearl Battle, Willie Battle, and Deborah Battle. Together, they were proudly known as the Battle Family.

In 1973, while living on Bibb Street, Lindsay met the love of his life, Stephanie Taylor. Their love blossomed, and in 1974 she became Mrs. Stephanie Battle. That same year, they welcomed their first child, Lindsay Battle Jr.

Lindsay graduated from Thomasville High School in 1975, where he was recognized as a talented track star. He soon enlisted in the United States Army, serving as a 92G Culinary Specialist. His first duty station was Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he and his wife expanded their family with the births of Shauna Battle in 1977 and Shaneka Battle in 1978.

In 1979, he was stationed at Fort Clayton in Panama. During a transition back to Fort Bragg, he and Stephanie welcomed their fourth child, Carlos Battle, in 1981. Throughout his military career, Lindsay traveled the world, with assignments in Georgia, North Carolina, Panama, Korea, Grenada, and Egypt. While in Grenada in 1983, he participated in Operation Urgent Fury. He was known for his dedication to physical fitness, excelling in training and frequently winning races.

In 1988, Lindsay was honorably discharged from the Army as a Staff Sergeant. He returned to Thomasville, Georgia, where he worked at Archbold Memorial Hospital, utilizing his culinary skills. In 1997, he proudly embraced the title he cherished most— “Granddaddy.” After earning his associate degree from Southern Regional Technical College, he transitioned into the phlebotomy lab, where his warm smile and caring spirit touched many lives.

In the early 2000s, Lindsay answered God’s call and dedicated his life to Kingdom work. He became a devoted member of First Unity Missionary Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir, served on the usher board, and faithfully drove the church van to assist members and guests. In 2009, he was ordained as a Deacon under the leadership of Pastor Charlie Ross. That same year, he lost his beloved wife of 35 years.

In 2017, Lindsay experienced the heartbreaking loss of his youngest son, Carlos Battle. Around that time, he began a courageous battle with meningioma brain tumors. Over the years, he endured multiple treatments, including five gamma knife radiation procedures and four major brain surgeries. When local doctors could do no more, Emory Hospital provided continued care. In 2024, he relocated to Atlanta to be closer to family as his health declined.

After a long and courageous fight, God called him home to rest on May 20, 2026.

Cherished Memories

Lindsay leaves to cherish his memory: his children: Lindsay Battle Jr., Shauna Battle, Shaneka Battle, Hatuey Battle, Brittani Chancey, and bonus daughter Devonna Stringer; eleven grandchildren: Joby Crawford Jr., Alaynna Flanders, Aereona Battle, Aijah Flanders, Jlesiah Parrish, Jasmin Parrish, Naima Battle, Brooklyn Battle, Kaitlyn Battle, Montraviah Legg, and Hatuey Battle Jr.; four great-grandchildren: Kaylen Clayton, Joi Crawford, Jaloni Crawford, and Joby Crawford III; sibling: Charles Battle; and a host of cousins, brothers-in-laws, sisters-in-laws, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.