Edward Balcom's Obituary
Edward Leon Balcom, 77, passed away Thursday, December 27, 2012 in Dallas, Georgia. One of five children, he was born on May 17, 1935 to Victor and Alice Balcom of Spokane, Washington.
A man who loved to spend time with his family and friends, Ed was surrounded by their love as his life came full circle. In 1985, he married his beautiful bride, Gail Elizabeth Newhouse. Ed is survived by his wife, Gail; sons: James, Steven, Victor II, Eric, Patrick, Brian, and daughter Valerie. His grandchildren are Jon, Shirlee, Victor III, Katharine, Austen, and Gabrielle. His great grandchildren are James, Walter, and Arianna. He is also survived by his siblings Richard, Clarence, Vernon, and Patsy.
Ed served his country in both the Navy and the Air Force. Following his military service, he brought health and healing to others during his long career as a Respiratory Therapist. A University of Georgia graduate, he served the community for more than 30 years until his retirement in 1997.
While these were his professional endeavors, one cannot remember Ed without recalling his quirky sense of humor and his gift for storytelling. His passions included reading, music, dancing, camping, hiking, woodworking, gardening, and travel. A fantastic cook who shared joy in serving a meal prepared with love, his delicious meals were accompanied by engaging conversation. Ed’s St. Patrick’s Day corned beef dinners were legendary. SEC football, particularly his Georgia Bulldogs, and professional football were also a passion. “Tailgate” parties and boisterous cheering were a standard at the Balcom home on football days.
Always approaching life with a positive spirit, kindness and a compassion for others, Ed was known for his support and offerings of assistance. Quirky, fun-loving, unique, cantankerous, stubborn, generous and loving are but a few of the qualities that made Ed…Eddie…Eduardo the man who was a beloved son, father, father-in-law, grandfather, son-in-law, husband and friend.
In lieu of a funeral, a Celebration and Remembrance Party will be held on Saturday, December 29, 2012. The family will greet friends from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at the Cedar Mill Community Clubhouse located at 56 Cedar Mill Dr. Dallas, GA 30132.
No flowers, please. Instead, donations in his memory can be made to The Atlanta Mission (http://www.atlantamission.org/) and Salvation Army (http://www.salvationarmyusa.org), both organizations Ed felt strongly about and supported.
Davis-Struempf Funeral Home & Crematory, Austell. www.davisstruempf.com
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