Charlie Battles, born on March 9, 1945, was a multifaceted individual known for his achievements as a rodeo champion, successful cattle rancher, and businessman. His life garnered significant attention due to his marriage to the famed country singer, Reba McEntire. The couple embarked on their journey together in 1976, before McEntire rose to stardom in the world of country music.
During their 11-year marriage, Battles and McEntire tackled various challenges, both in their personal and professional lives. Unfortunately, the intensity of these experiences ultimately led to their divorce in 1987. Following their separation, Battles continued to make a name for himself in his chosen fields, and he held strong to his identity as an accomplished individual.
Battles’ life was marked by perseverance, passion, and dedication to his career, which he displayed until his passing in 2013. Today, he is remembered for his various accomplishments and the significant role he played in the life of Reba McEntire.
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Early Life
Charlie Battles was born on March 9, 1945, in Oklahoma, United States, to Earl and Ocey Battles. He had a brother named Jim Battles and a sister named Roxey Battles. Charlie grew up in a rural area, where he developed a passion for rodeo and cattle ranching from an early age. He attended local schools and completed his high school education in 1962.
A notable aspect of his early life was his commitment to the US Army. In 1962, at the age of 17, Charlie enlisted in the Army where he received training for ten months. During his service, he worked as an armor intelligence specialist. His dedication and skills took him all the way to Germany, where he was stationed for a period.
Charlie’s early life in Oklahoma and his experiences in the Army played a significant role in shaping his character and career. He returned to Oklahoma after his military service, where he would eventually build a successful career in rodeo and cross paths with famous country singer Reba McEntire.
Career
Rodeo Career
Charlie Battles, born in Oklahoma in 1945, began his career in rodeo after returning from his US Army training in 1962. With a strong passion for the sport, he dedicated himself to practicing and participating in various rodeo events such as steer wrestling. His hard work and determination paid off as he won the title of steer wrestling champion for three consecutive years, cementing his success within the rodeo community.
In addition to his personal success within the sport, Charlie Battles also ventured into the business side of rodeo. He founded the Charlie Battles PRCA Rodeo Livestock Company which was responsible for supplying livestock to various rodeo events, including the prestigious PRCA National Finals.
Music Career
While Charlie Battles did not personally have a music career, his connection to country music comes from his marriage to the legendary singer, Reba McEntire. Throughout their time together, Reba’s career began to take off as she signed with MCA and released several successful albums.
Some of her early accomplishments as a country singer under MCA include the 1984 album My Kind of Country, which reached significant success on the Billboard charts and marked her transition into stardom. As Reba’s popularity grew within the country music scene, she began performing in Nashville and on various stages with her band, consisting of talented musicians that supported her throughout her journey.
Charlie Battles was present in Reba’s life during this period of growth in her music career, and he is often recognized for his unwavering support. As Reba’s presence expanded beyond the stage, including memorable performances of the national anthem at significant events and receiving a Grammy award, Charlie Battles was often by her side, acting as a key figure in her rise to fame.
Personal Life and Relationships
Marriage with Reba McEntire
Charlie Battles was a champion steer wrestler who captured the heart of young country music star Reba McEntire. They married on June 21, 1976, when Reba was just 21 years old, and Charlie was 31. Their relationship was characterized by mutual support and shared ambitions, as Charlie focused on his steer wrestling career while Reba pursued her singing aspirations.
However, after 11 years of marriage, the couple’s relationship began to suffer from various issues, including Charlie’s protective and possessive nature. This eventually led Reba to file for divorce. Following their separation, Reba went on to marry Narvel Blackstock, while Charlie maintained a more private life.
Family and Descendants
Charlie Battles already had two children, Lance and Coty, from a previous marriage when he married Reba McEntire. Reba, thus, embraced the role of stepmother to his young sons. After the divorce from Reba, Charlie married Donna Granger in 199 (source)[{“title”:”Charlie Battles – Reba McEntire’s Ex-Husband Who Always Stood … – MSN”,”snippet”:”Charlie Battles married Donna Granger, his third wife, in 1998 after embarking on a new romantic relationship. However, they were childless. Charlie Battles sadly passed away from a stroke in 2006.”}], and the couple did not have any children together.
Charlie’s son, Lance, married Sherrie Battles, and they had three children: Coty Battles, Roxey Battles, and Sherrie Battles. These grandchildren brought joy to Charlie’s life, and eventually, great-grandchildren were also born, further extending the family.
Battles and the Ranch
Charlie Battles owned a cattle ranch in Oklahoma, which he managed throughout his life. He was, first and foremost, a rancher and cattleman, taking great pride in his work and his Oklahoma ranch. Charlie continued looking after the family ranch even after his divorce from Reba and during his later marriage to Donna Granger.
His ranch was not only a source of income but also a symbol of his dedication, hard work, and commitment to providing for his family. Charlie’s dedication to the ranch was unwavering. He passed away in 2006 due to a stroke, leaving behind a legacy of a loving family and a successful ranching career.
Legacy and Impact
Charlie Battles, a notable figure in the world of rodeo, had a significant impact on various communities, not only through his accomplishments in steer wrestling but also through his commitment to charitable work. His entrepreneurship skills, innovation, and determination played a vital role in his success, eventually contributing to his considerable net worth.
Battles’ marriage to then-budding country music star Reba McEntire in 1976 brought his name to the forefront of the entertainment industry. Although the couple eventually parted ways, both continued to excel in their respective fields. Charlie Battles, rooted in Sulphur, Louisiana, cemented his legacy as a rodeo legend, while Reba McEntire’s iconic career in country music made her an influential figure in the industry. In 1984, McEntire was featured on the People Magazine cover cementing her status as a country music superstar while Charlie maintained a more subdued public presence.
The successful journeys of both Charlie and Reba have also influenced the next generation of stars. For instance, The Kelly Clarkson Show host Kelly Clarkson has mentioned Reba McEntire as a significant inspiration in her own career. Clarkson considers Reba as a role model not just for her exceptional talent, but also for the way she navigated her personal life, and the various roles she played including that of a divorcee.
Charlie Battles’ legacy teaches the importance of perseverance, dedication, and the ability to adapt to different circumstances in life. His wide-ranging impact on various sectors and the lives of those around him, including his role as a manager, showcases an exceptional and multifaceted individual who left a mark in the world of rodeo, business, and philanthropy.
Final Years and Death
Charlie Battles faced numerous health challenges in his final years. In 2006, he suffered a stroke which left him with significant physical limitations. For the following seven years, he continued to battle the effects of the stroke, affecting his overall quality of life.
Despite the health setbacks, Charlie’s resilience stood strong. Unfortunately, his health took a turn for the worse, ultimately succumbing to heart failure in April of 2013. At the time of his passing, Charlie was in Sulphur, Louisiana, surrounded by his loved ones.
To celebrate Charlie’s life and commemorate his passing, his family organized a memorial event. Here, friends and family had the opportunity to share their heartfelt messages, express their condolences, and provide support to one another during this difficult time. The memorial served as a testament to Charlie’s impact on those around him and the enduring memories he left behind.
Charlie Battles’ final years were marked by the challenges he faced due to his health, but they also highlighted his strength, perseverance, and the lasting connections he shared with those close to him. His memory will forever be cherished by his friends, family, and loved ones.
