Charlie Battles cause of death: Charlie Battles is a typical American. He took birth in 1945 in Oklahoma to parents Earl and Ocey Battles. Growing up with Southern traditions, no one could predict he’d become a rodeo star. And, be linked with country music icon Reba McEntire. If you wish to read more about Charlie Battles, read further!
Answering Uncle Sam’s Call
In 1962, like many young men of his generation, Charlie responded to Uncle Sam’s call and enlisted in the United States Army. His service began with ten months of intensive training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. There he honed his skills and developed a strong sense of discipline.
However, unlike some of his fellow servicemen, Charlie didn’t find himself in the harrowing jungles of Vietnam. Instead, he was stationed abroad, specializing in armored intelligence in Germany. In 1965, he was honorably discharged from the army, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
The Rodeo Arena Beckons
Returning to his hometown in Oklahoma, Charlie embarked on a new journey, one that would define a significant part of his life – rodeoing. He found his niche in steer wrestling, an exhilarating and physically demanding sport that required not just strength, but skill and finesse. Charlie honed his craft, dedicating himself to rodeo competitions that spanned the nation.
His dedication bore fruit as he clinched the coveted title of steer wrestling champion three years in a row, in 1968, 1970, and 1971. His prowess in the arena didn’t stop there; Charlie earned a coveted spot in the 1974 PRCA National Finals, showcasing his exceptional talents on a national stage.
Family Life and Challenges
In 1966, Charlie found love and settled down with Sherrie. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in his personal life. The Battles family soon expanded with the arrival of two sons.
They were Lance and Coty, born from the love between Charlie and Sherrie. Despite his rodeo successes, sustaining the family proved challenging. This led Charlie to take up work as a cow rancher.
However, the challenges weren’t limited to financial matters. Charlie faced personal struggles within his family. Despite his achievements in the rodeo arena, he grappled with balancing family life and the demands of his burgeoning career.
The Meeting with Reba McEntire
June 21, 1976, marked a significant turning point in Charlie’s life. At the age of 31, he married a rising star in the world of country music. She was 21-year-old Reba McEntire.
Reba was not just starting on a new chapter as Charlie’s wife; she was also beginning her own country music career. Her song “I Don’t Want to be a One-Night Stand” had made its mark on the Billboard country singles charts, reaching No. 88. It was a time of promise and new beginnings for the young couple.
Challenges in Marriage
Their marriage had problems. Reba and Charlie’s sons from his first marriage, Lance and Coty, didn’t have much in common with Reba. This difference in interests and Charlie not trying to build a connection caused issues in the family.
As Reba’s music career took off, she became more famous, and that brought new problems. Charlie, who was initially supportive and protective, started to become possessive and jealous. He even began controlling their money. It went to the extent of taking money from Reba’s purse.
The Breaking Point and Divorce
By 1987, the strain in their marriage had become unbearable. With the support of her parents and sister, Reba made the difficult decision to file for divorce. Charlie, despite his reluctance, chose to respond by withdrawing all the money from their joint account in an attempt to persuade Reba to reconsider.
Following the divorce, Charlie didn’t let the setback deter him. He quickly got back on his feet and returned to his beloved rodeoing. In 1993, he purchased his ranch in Stringtown, Oklahoma, where he resumed his rodeoing endeavors.
Additionally, Charlie ventured into the business world, possibly drawing from his experience managing Reba and their financial assets during their marriage. He established his own business, which would later become known as the Charlie Battles PRCA Rodeo Livestock Company.
A New Love and Lasting Legacy
In 1998, Charlie Battles found love again and married Donna Granger. This marked his third marriage, but they chose not to have children together. However, life would soon take a challenging turn.
In 2006, Charlie Battles suffered a debilitating stroke that left him severely handicapped. His health continued to deteriorate, and in 2013, he passed away due to complications stemming from a stroke and heart failure. His final resting place is in Sulphur, Louisiana.
Charlie Battles may have faced numerous challenges and life’s ups and downs, but he remains a testament to the enduring spirit of a man who pursued his passions in rodeo, love, and life with unwavering determination.
Charlie Battles Cause Of Death
Tragically, Charlie had a stroke in 2006. And, he passed away in 2013. The situation reached a breaking point when Reba asked her husband to join her band. Regrettably, Charlie clashed with the other band members, causing complications.
Reba grew weary of his controlling demeanor and his habit of taking money from her without consent. Charlie’s increasing anger and repeated incidents led the actress to divorce him in 1987. Following their separation, Reba relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, leaving behind their Oklahoma ranch.
Where is Charlie Battles Buried?
Charlie died and buried in Sulphur, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, USA.
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