Christopher "Brian" Battles

Brian Battles, 58, died peacefully at home on Sunday, August 2, 2026, surrounded by the people he loved.

Brian was born on June 9, 1968, and grew up in Tullahoma, Tennessee, with his parents, Fred and Margaret Battles, and his younger sisters, Tiffany and Kandis, who will always remember him as their “first hero.” Brian made lifelong friends in Tullahoma, many of them through sports. He especially loved playing high school football and used to say that he would “give his legs to step out onto the field just one more time.” Anyone who knew Brian also knew he was a huge Tennessee Volunteers football fan, and he was always proud to wear orange and white to prove it. Years later, he loved playing softball with the Roughnecks and showed his dedication by showing up to play after having knee surgery – that did not stop him from batting, he just needed a teammate to run the bases for him.

After graduating from high school, Brian joined the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and while he never stopped being a Southerner at heart, Grand Forks became the place he called home. After retiring from the USAF, he went to work for US Foods, where he worked his way up from an entry-level warehouse job to a regional corporate position. Brian’s colleagues described him as a boss who never acted like one, a great storyteller, and a mentor who believed in people and always made time to help. He truly seemed to live by a rule his parents taught him early in life: he was no better than anyone else, and no one else was better than him. This was apparent in the way he treated everyone he knew and met. Brian was the quintessential “Mayor of Every Town,” and he always made time to stop and chat with his countless friends and acquaintances.

Brian was also hilarious, and he never took himself too seriously. He loved to have a good time, and if he had an opportunity to make someone laugh—even at his own expense—he usually took it. He dressed up for Halloween, making unforgettable appearances as Fat Albert, the Incredible Hulk, Alice in Wonderland, and Cruella De Vil, to name a few. He shamelessly played his “steering-wheel guitar” in the car while introducing his kids to ’90s grunge and hard rock. He sang Mariah Carey songs, danced like a Chippendale, and let his family laugh at him while he learned to rollerblade, all without a hint of embarrassment.

More than anything else, though, Brian’s family was his priority. Susan was not just his wife of 28 years; she was the true love of his life, and he adored her from the day they met until his final breath. Brian was also an exceptionally loving and nurturing dad who described his kids—Brianna, Derrick, Nathan, and Torey—as the best thing he had ever done. He never hesitated to cuddle or play with them when they were little, often while serenading them (and later his grandkids) with his own rendition of “Good Ol’ Rocky Top.” He was known to “lock in” to whatever movies or television shows the kids wanted to watch and somehow seemed to enjoy them just as much as they did. Brian loved watching his boys play football and basketball and could often be heard calling, “Do work, son!” from the stands. He loved beach vacations and never missed a chance to golf, go to a movie, or go out for lunch with his family. They were his pride and joy, and he fought fiercely throughout his battle with cancer to have as much time with them as he could get. In his final month, Brian was also able to attend the incredible benefit held in his honor. He got to see the smiles, hear the stories, hug the people who came to support him, and witness firsthand just how many lives he had touched. It was such a gift for Brian to see, while he was still here, just how deeply he was loved.

Brian leaves behind his wife, Susan; his children, Brianna, Derrick (Nicole), Nathan (Jessa), and Torey; his grandchildren, Watson, Jaden, Marley, and Benny; his mother, Margaret Battles; his sisters, Tiffany and Kandis; his best childhood friends, Steve and Travis; and an enormous extended family of relatives, lifelong friends, coworkers, and teammates. Brian was preceded in death by his father, Fred Battles, in February 2022.

Lastly, in honor of Brian, a reminder to live like he did every now and then. Dress up in something ridiculous for Halloween. Watch cartoons like you’re a kid again. Cheer louder for your favorite team or play your steering-wheel guitar like no one is watching. Try rollerblading or sing a song to the babies in your life. Laugh at yourself and let other people laugh with you. Take time for the people you love and never let them leave your presence without making sure they know that they mattered to you.

You are so loved, Brian, and you will never be forgotten.

Please join the family in remembering Brian and celebrate his life at the Pearl Event Center (920 North 3rd Street, Suite C) in Grand Forks on Saturday, September 19th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM.