| City/Town: • Phenix City |
| Location Class: • Commercial |
| Built: • c. 1950 | Abandoned: • 2019 |
| Status: • Under Renovation |
| Photojournalist: • David Bulit |
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Edgar H. Battle, Funeral Director
Located in Phenix City, Alabama, Edgar H. Battle Funeral Home was established in 1950 by Edgar Hugh Battle, born on October 15, 1909, in Barbour County, Alabama, the son of Lewis and Annie Maude Battle. He and his wife Bertha were blessed with three children: Edgar Jr., Rufus Lamar, and Ruthie Lee Battle. Edgar Battle was an active member of Nichols Chapel A.M.E. Church, serving as a Trustee and Steward. He held memberships in both the Alabama Funeral Directors and Morticians Association and the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association. Moreover, he held the prestigious position of President at Progressive Funeral Directors of Alabama, Inc.
In 1933, alongside Willis C. Battle, Sr., Edgar Battle established Battle & Battle Funeral Home, which remains operational to this day. For nearly a century, the Battle family has provided invaluable support to the people of Phenix City and the neighboring communities during their most challenging moments. On July 5, 1950, Willis and Edgar made the decision to end their partnership, with Willis taking charge of Battle & Battle Funeral Home.
E. H. Battle Funeral Home
Shortly after, Edgar H. Battle Funeral Home was established in close proximity. Edgar Jr. and Rufus, both sons of the elder Edgar H. Battle, joined their father in the family business and dedicated their efforts to the funeral home. In the early 1960s, before joining the family business, Rufus Battle served in the U.S. Army as a member of the 48th Infantry stationed in Germany.
Following the passing of Edgar H. Battle Sr. in 1992 at the age of 82, his sons carried on the operations of the funeral home. Throughout the 1990s, Rufus Battle held the position of treasurer in both the East Alabama Funeral Directors’ Association and the National Funeral Directors’ Association. Eventually, the funeral home underwent a name change to Phenix City Mortuary, serving the community until 2019. After its closure, plans for a renovation were initiated but remained unfinished. In 2022, the property was sold and is currently undergoing remodeling with the intention of reopening as another funeral home.
Photo Gallery
