Bobby Dean Ballance

Published 10:24 am Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Bobby Dean Ballance, age 85, of Erwin, Tennessee, passed away on January 28, 2025. Born in Port Arthur, Texas, he was the son of the late Basil Lee Ballance and Lucille Gladys Moreau. Bobby was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Marilyn Ann Breland Ballance; their son, George Theodore “G.T.” Ballance, Sr.; daughter-in-law Laura Eileen Buchanan Ballance; son-in-law Joseph Lewis Stockfelt; and brothers Donald Lee Ballance, Frank Joseph Ballance, and Warren Gene Ballance.

Bobby honorably served in the United States Navy for 22 years, participating in both the Vietnam and Korean wars. A proud patriot, he sailed on illustrious aircraft carriers such as the USS Midway, USS Saratoga, and USS Enterprise, often sharing tales of his extensive travels. Following his military career, Bobby contributed to his family’s business, Beacon Enterprise in Louisiana, where he built and maintained service stations and bulk plants. He also dedicated time to volunteer at the Magnolia School for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Later in life, he worked on nuclear power plant shut-downs until health considerations for his wife kept them from being able to travel as often.

A devoted Christian, Bobby was deeply involved with his church, Riverside Fellowship Assembly of God. Over the years, he served in numerous capacities, including Sunday School teacher, Royal Ranger commander, deacon, and various ministries focused on children and the elderly. He was even ordained as a minister by the Baptist Church. Beyond his faith and family, Bobby enjoyed drawing, painting, wood carving, gardening, and collecting, as well as shooting guns. His greatest joy, however, came from the time spent with his family, whom he cherished more than anything.

Bobby is survived by his two children, Marilyn Ann Ballance Stockfelt (Alvin) of Erwin and Bobbie Jean “Jeannie” Ballance Jones (Ricky) of Elizabethton; seven grandchildren: Joshua (Amy) Stockfelt, Jeannie Stockfelt, Ricky (Jill) Jones Jr., George “G.T.” (Sarah) Ballance Jr., Jacob (Alicia) Stockfelt, Jathaniel (Amber) Stockfelt, and Troy Jones; five great-grandchildren: Jayla, Alyssa, Hudson, Asher, and Cora; one brother, Eugene David Ballance; one sister, Patsy Ann Wallace Faw; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 18, 2025, at Lake Lawn – Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans, Louisiana.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bobby’s memory to Rivers Edge Fellowship, 1200 Highway 19E, Elizabethton, TN 37643.

Words of sympathy may be shared with the family by visiting our website at www.hathawaypercy.com. Hathaway Percy Funeral and Cremation Services is honored to serve the Ballance family. Office phone: (423) 543-5544.