Charles Boyd Battles Jr.

Charles was born on December 19, 1948, to Jessie Mae and Charles Battles Sr. in Anniston, Alabama. After Charles graduated from Walter Wellborn High School in 1967, He furthered his studies at Jacksonville State University.

After college he began a lengthy career in the grocery industry, which spanned from store manger to sales representative. That path led him to Telephone Communications Incorporated of Anniston, where he sold corporate phone systems covering East-Central Alabama until his retirement in 2011.

Upon his retirement, he found a calling that allowed him to spread the joy and true message of Christmas as he became a professional Santa Claus and served as the Vice President of the Cotton State Santas Organization from 2015-2023.

He married the love the of his life, Judy Diane Cash, on September 11, 1970. Charles and Judy went on to have two children, Charles Boyd Battles III (Teresa) and Barry Lee Battles. One grandson, Eric Lee Battles (Haley) and three great-grandchildren Preston Oliver Battles, Lincoln Charles Battles and Jack Harrison Battles.

In addition to being a cherished Santa and family man, his love of music was paramount in his life. He played in bands throughout the years, instilling his passion to his family as he encouraged and nurtured their desire to play and perform.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents, Charles Boyd Battles Sr. and Jessie Mae Messer Battles and grandparents, Robert Lee Battles and Mattie Emma Andrews Battles.

Pallbearers will be family and friends. Members of the Cotton State Santas will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Visitation will be held at Gray Brown Funeral Home in Anniston on Thursday, September 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. A formal service will take place at the same location on Friday, September 20, at 1 p.m., followed by graveside services at Edgemont Cemetery in Anniston.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pink Heals of Eastern Alabama in Charles’ name, and spread a little more Christmas magic this year. He would love that.