William Henry Battle was born on April 9, 1966, in Arkadelphia to Nell Battle and Lucille Ussery. Being raised in a large family of 12 he was the baby brother. His mother passed when he was only 2 years old. He was raised by his grandmother Lucy “Big Mama” McNeil. His grandmother was highly respected among friends and neighbors in Arkadelphia. When she passed William lived with his eldest sister, Patricia. She, by example, taught Christian values, and integrity that resulted in a stable and loving family environment.

William grew up to be a handsome and intelligent young man. He attended Arkadelphia High School and West End Presbyterian Church. At the age of 21, William was in a car accident that left him paralyzed. He championed his circumstances with independence and a strong will. Boo was determined to live his life as best as he could. He never wanted to be a burden to anyone. He purchased a home, hired a nurse, and lived independently until his passing.

He used his motorized chair as his legs and could be found all over Arkadelphia at any given time. Some looked at how he managed his life and saw it as a blueprint to WIN. He was a die-hard Arkansas Razorback, Golden State Warrior, and Dallas Cowboys fan. He would have denounced the Cowboys with their sloppy loss last Sunday. He built his own “man cave” and would spend hours listening to R&B and Blues. His home was often the gathering place for watching sports and many laughs.

Boo never met a stranger and made a friend everywhere he went. He passed from this life on Friday, September 9, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nell Battle and Lucille Paris Ussery; his grandmother, Lucy McNeal; a brother, Robert Ussery; and three sisters, Lula Ussery, Lela Ussery, and Judy Rice.

Boo will forever be remembered by three sisters, Patricia Wright (Vern) and Barbara Ussery, both of Arkadelphia, and Linda Johnson (Andrew); six brothers, Eddie Thomas (Beverly) of Texarkana, Texas, Julius Ussery of Arkadelphia, Ollie Ussery (Cynthia) of Houston, Texas, David Cooke of Hooks, Texas, Carl F. Ussery of Arkadelphia, and Earl Battle (Phyllis) of Plano, Texas. He also leaves a caravan of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends, Dan Bailey, Dayne Fronte, his nurse, and Melanie Powell.

Visitation will be Friday, Sept. 16, from 2-7 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 6-7 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17, at St. Paul AME Church with Pastor Claire Rhodes, officiating. Interment will be at Piney Grove Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Wendell Ussery, Jeffery Robinson, Kentrell Steed, Patrick Appleton, Trey Johnson, Robert Ussery Jr., and Eddie Thomas Jr.