Jack Balch

Jack Graham Balch, 73, of Athens died Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2010, at Ardmore on Main, following a courageous three-year battle with dementia.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010, at First Baptist Church with Andy Balch, Ken Jacobs, Joe Teal and Dr. Edwin Jenkins officiating. Burial will be in the City Cemetery with Spry Funeral Home directing.

Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service Saturday at First Baptist Church.

Mr. Balch was born June 22, 1937, in Madison County to the late Wesley and Mary Balch. He was active in civic activities following his retirement from General Motors. He volunteered at the John Waddell Senior Health Center, RSVP, CASA, and United Way prior to his illness. He was an active member of First Baptist Church for more than 50 years. He served as Sunday school director, church training director, trustee, and deacon. The church recently bestowed upon him the office of Deacon Emeritus.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Mildred Moore Balch; a son, Andy Balch and wife Karen; two grandchildren, Becca and Drew Balch; two brothers, Dr. Billy Balch of Murfreesboro, Tenn., and Bobby Balch of Trinity; one sister, Joyce Tann of Harvest; several nieces and nephews; and special caregiver, Charlotte Osburn.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jeff Glaze, Jim Rich, Larry Burlingame, Tee Jackson, Stanley Menefee and Garnett Crask. Honorary pallbearers are Ken Fikes, Bobby Gentry, Cecil Gregg, Billy Maples, Daryle Qualls, Terry McCormick, and the deacons of First Baptist Church of Athens.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff of Ardmore on Main for the professional and compassionate care Mr. Balch received during his stay.

Sign the guestbook at http://spryfuneralhome.com.