HJR 188

HJR188 191514-1 By Representative Sanderford RFD: Rules First Read: 13-FEB-18 191514-1:n:02/12/2018:AR/ar LSA2018-790 MOURNING THE DEATH OF JAMES VILLARD BALCH. WHEREAS, it is with profound sorrow that we note the death on January 25, 2018, of Mr. James Villard Balch of Huntsville, Alabama, at the age of 81 years, and WHEREAS, his passing leaves a void in the lives of his loving family, many friends, and the entire community, where he was highly regarded; and WHEREAS, Mr. Balch was born on October 12, 1936, to Robert Villard Balch and Goldie Clayton Balch of Lexington Alabama; and WHEREAS, a 1955 graduate of Lexington High School, he attended Florence State Teachers College, which is now the University of North Alabama; and WHEREAS, Mr. Balch established Bob Wallace Appliance Service, Inc., in 1978, and Wallace Appliance Sales, Incorporated in 1982; and WHEREAS, a faithful member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, Mr. Balch served as Deacon, Elder, and member of the Geezers for God Bible Study Group; and WHEREAS, Mr. Balch's professional affiliations included the Metropolitan Kiwanis Club of Huntsville, where he was awarded the J. Mercer Barnett Fellow Award and the Hixon Fellow Award; he was avtive in local, state and national politics and served on the Madison County Republican Executive Committee and the State of Alabama Republican Executive Committee; and WHEREAS, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Doyce Wendell Balch and Ralph Allen Balch; and sister, Frances Louise Williams; and WHEREAS, survivors include his beloved wife of 60 years, Jeanette Haygood Balch; son, James Wade Balch; grandson, Ryan Dee Balch (Amanda); granddaughter, Erin Ann Balch Wasson (Christopher); great-granddaughter, Brielle Makenna Wasson; brothers, Ray Balch (Susan), and Anthony Balch; sisters, Zelma Lee Hayes, Marcie Thalia Bullock (Orris), Ruth Mashburn, Carole Riddle (Frankie), and Melinda Gail McGee (Larry); and a host of nieces and nephews; and WHEREAS, although his preceded will be greatly missed, the memory of Mr. Balch will be cherished in the hearts of all who knew and loved him; now therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, That the death of Mr. James Villard Balch is recorded with deep sadness, and this resolution is offered in tribute to his life and with heartfelt sympathy to his family, whose grief is shared by many.