Harold Edwin (Hootie) Balch, Jr., age 75, of Flintville, TN, passed away peacefully at his residence on September 15, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born on December 10, 1948, in Limestone County, AL, Edwin was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and GG.
From a young age, Edwin displayed a strong work ethic, growing up on a farm where he and his three sisters worked together, picking cotton. He married the love of his life, Janice, on June 17, 1966. Their 58 years of marriage were filled with joy, laughter, and deep affection.
Edwin retired from Dunlop in 2003 and continued to work at SaarGummi, where he retired again in 2017. In his spare time, he enjoyed raising Tennessee Walking Horses, a passion that brought him great joy. Mr. Balch was a member of the Howell Hill Church of Christ.
Edwin’s legacy lives on through his devoted wife, Janice Lones Balch; his children Harold (Misti) Balch, Donald Balch, and Lorie (John) Gusich; his grandchildren Bryan (Whitney) Balch, Lindsey (Cole) Hindman, Brock (Miranda) Mann, Riley (Josh) Freeman, Easton (Lily) Mann, and Ansley Gusich; step-granddaughter, Jennifer Lambert; and his seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Faye (Bill) Grimwood and Royce (Robert) Balch, and his nephew, Jason Balch. Edwin was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Edwin Balch, Sr., and Mary Lou Balch-Grimwood; sister, Barbara Balch Holt; step-grandson, Bobby Waits.
Visitation will be from 5 PM to 8 PM on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at Higgins Funeral Home. The funeral service will take place at 11 AM on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Higgins Funeral Home, with Bro. Steve Hale officiating. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Harold Edwin Balch, Jr.
My uncle Edwin always picked on me as a little boy (His way of showing his love ) unfortunately for him we was boxing and I was the perfect height that when I hit him it was below the waist he turned red didn’t say goodbye to anyone got in his truck and left. After being talked to by my mother and realizing what I had done I felt horrible but he never would box with me again . We spent a life time laughing about that day when I was 3 years old . He always had time for me and never failed to show his love for me . He will be missed and never forgotten.
Best bonus granddaddy there ever was. Never once made me second guess that I was just as important as the rest. Love you to pieces. ❤️❤️🫂🫂🥺🥺
My Prayers & condolences are with the Balch families I am very thankful for knowing & getting to be a part of each of their lives as I grew up, Barbra was my best friend & I got to see each child grow up either at the Balch home or at Edwin & Janice home also, I will cherish each of my memories ❤ with ( Harold, Donald,& Lori) & all the wonderful times I got to be a part of Jason’s life as well. What a wonderful family that GOD blessed me To be apart of, Janice You have been a lifelong friend to everyone I Love You & Thank You for our friendship throughout all these years Sincerely Janus East Hardin
We used to carpool together back in the the late 70 and the early 80. We would always joke around with each other at work and away from work. Hootie was a character and will be missed. Prayers for his family 🙏🙏
Edwin was my boss at Dunlop. He was the best boss and friend. He will be missed. Praying for the family.