Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, November 10, 1995 TAG: 9511100077
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: B-7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A citation released Thursday credited both men with making "momentous contributions to private enterprise."
Junior Achievement of Southwest Virginia, which runs the Hall of Fame annual awards program as a fund-raiser, expects at least 200 people to attend an induction ceremony and dinner Thursday at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center.
Tickets, which cost $100 per person, must be reserved by 5 p.m. Wednesday by calling 989-6392, an event official said.
Willis, 75, played as a child in the mountains that eventually would become the source of his livelihood. He attended school in Roanoke, was a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and achieved the rank of lieutenant during World War II. He joined and rose through the ranks of his family's quarry business, which today produces crushed stone, fertilizer filler and agricultural limestone for the construction industry and agriculture.
A leader in economic development, he helped establish the Blue Ridge Park for Industry and convert the closed American Viscose plant to the Roanoke Industrial Center. He founded North Cross School, helped run Virginia's community college system and sat on the State Council of Higher Education. He volunteered for the National Society to Prevent Blindness.
Battle, who died in 1994 at age 70, was born and attended school in Texas. After serving in the Air Force, he became an actuary. He worked in Nashville, Tenn., and Dallas before joining the Roanoke headquarters of Shenandoah Life in 1959. By 1972, he was its president and served in that role for 17 years. He also served as the company's chairman.
by CNB