Obituary: Dr. Larry Battles

Dr. Larry Battles of Russellville departed this life next to his family on Thursday, July 11, 2024, in Franklin, TN, at the age of 82. He was born May 13, 1942, the son of Hubert Battles and Eloise Bell in Newark and grew up in the Newport area. He had a great love for knowledge and was a perpetual student through his mid-30s… graduating from Newport High School in ‘60, Arkansas State University in ‘62, University of Arkansas School of Pharmacy in ‘65, University Arkansas at Little Rock in ‘70, University Of Arkansas School of Medicine ‘75, and University of Oklahoma School of Medicine ‘78.

His passion was practicing medicine and serving his patients; over his nearly 40-year career, he delivered countless babies into the River Valley community where his patients, family, and friends best knew him as “Doc.” In retirement, “Doc” enjoyed spending time outdoors with his beloved pups and family, catching trout on the White and Little Red, and cheering on the Razorbacks.

He is survived by his son, Jason Battles and wife, Bethany, of Nolensville, TN; two daughters, Jenny Williams and husband, Clayton, of Franklin, TN, and Angie Johnston and husband, Kyle, of Little Rock; two sisters Susie Scott and husband, Johnny, of Heber Springs and Patricia A. Battles-Shoffner of Newport; seven grandchildren, Lawren, Claire, and John Clayton Williams, of Franklin, TN; Elliott and Emily Battles of Nolensville, TN; Cole Turner and Jules Johnston of Little Rock.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert Battles and Eloise Bell.

Graveside services will be on Sunday, July 14, at 2:00 p.m. at Blue Springs Cemetery in Newark, Arkansas. “Doc” will be laid to rest next to his parents.