Bishop George Edward Battle, Jr., who was the head of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and a former Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board member, died on Sunday. He was 77. The Piedmont Episcopal District confirmed Battle’s death in a social media post Sunday night.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education is mourning the loss of Bishop George E. Battle, Jr., a former board member and chairperson, who passed away recently.

Bishop George E. Battle, Jr. passed away Sunday, March 9 at the age of 77. He is known for being passionate about his faith, having concern for the community, and encouraging others to do good. Battle founded the Greater Enrichment Program back in 1975.