Allan Wayne Balch 02/28/1953 -4/20/2008
 

Allan Wayne Balch joined his Heavenly Father early Sunday morning, April 20 at the age of 55. Cherished loving memories remain forever in the hearts of everyone who knew him. He is survived by his childhood sweetheart and devoted wife of 34 years, Barbara Ruth Woodard Balch, who provided unconditional loving care during his illness over the last 20 months. His legacy continues with his children – daughters, Jillian Ruth Balch Dublin and husband, Dean of Sachse, Texas; Marcie Nichole Balch Splann and husband, Kyle of Nacogdoches, Texas; and son, Blake Allan Balch of Reston, Virginia; his adorable grandchildren – Jackson Bryan Dublin, 6; Julianna Ruth Dublin, 4; Walker Garrett Dublin, 2; Keelan Kyle Splann, 2 and Bailey Allan Splann, 2 months. He is further survived by his parents, J. C. and Thelma Balch of Jacksonville, Texas; father-in-law, W. D. “Jigger” Woodard of Chireno, Texas; sister, Sandra Balch Hatcher of Houston, Texas and brother-in-law, Kenneth Woodard of The Woodlands, Texas; nieces, Deborah Holloway Thompson, Wendy Holloway Wilburn and nephews, Stephen Holloway and Derek Martin. He was preceded in death by his sister, Patsy Balch Holloway and mother-in-law, Martha Metteauer Woodard. He is further survived by several great-nieces and nephews and a multitude of wonderful friends. 

Allan was born in Dallas, Texas, February 28, 1953 and graduated from Chireno High School. He began his 34 year career in the financial services industry while majoring in Programming at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Allan served as Senior Vice President, Sales of Computer Services, Inc. (CSI). Prior to joining CSI in 2000, he held various management positions in all phases of bank data processing operations with Electronic Data Systems (EDS), Affiliated Computer Services and American Data Services. He had served as president of the National Association of Bank Services, president of the Association of Financial Technology and also three terms as director.

He was a member of Jacksonville Southside Church of Christ and faithfully served as an elder, teacher and song leader. Active in the Jacksonville community, Allan was named as Vice Chairman of the Year-Economic Development by the Chamber of Commerce and also named Who’s Who of Young Business Men. His enthusiasm to embrace life to the fullest never wavered whether he was working, traveling, or spending time with his family and friends. His infectious smile and warm handshake were extended to all he met. Allan had a genuine interest in the lives of those around him and instantly connected with people from all walks of life. His gentle demeanor accurately reflected his caring sensitive spirit. He will certainly be missed by all.

Services will be held Wednesday, April 23 at Autry Funeral Home Chapel in Jacksonville, Texas at 10:00 a.m. with Mr. Pat Jones officiating with interment following in Chireno, Texas at the Lower Cemetery at 3:00 p.m. Visitation services will be Tuesday, April 22 at Autry Funeral Home from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Serving as Allan’s pallbearers will be dear friends: Eddie Arrington, Pete Betts, Charles Humphreys, Monte Ramsey, Luke Smith, Mike Terry, Rick Turner, and Roger Warren. The family has suggested that in lieu of floral tributes, memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society, 1301 S. Broadway, Tyler, Texas 75701.

Information from Autry Funeral Home

  ALLAN WAYNE BALCH

Funeral for Allan Wayne Balch, 55, of Jacksonville, will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 23 at Autry Funeral Home chapel with Pat Jones officiating. Burial will be at 3 p.m. at the Lower Cemetery in Chireno.

Mr. Balch died April 20. He was born February 28, 1953, in Dallas and graduated from Chireno High School. He began his 34 year career in the financial services industry while majoring in programming at Stephen F. Austin State University. He served as senior vice-president, sales of Computer Services Inc. (CSI). Prior to joining CSI in 2000, he held various management positions in all phases of bank data processing operations with Electronic Data Systems (EDS), Affiliated Computer Services and American Data Services. He had served as president of the National Association of Bank Services, president of the Association of Financial Technology and also three terms as director.

He was a member of Jacksonville Southside Church of Christ and served as an elder, teacher and song leader. He was vice-chairman of the year economic development by the Chamber of Commerce and also named who's who of young businessmen.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Patsy Balch Holloway and mother-in-law, Martha Metteauer Woodard.

Survivors are his wife of 34 years, Barbara Ruth Woodard Balch; two daughters and sonsin law, Jillian Ruth Balch and Dean Dublin of Sachse and Marcie Nichole Balch and Kyle Splann of Nacogdoches; a son, Blake Allan Balch of Reston, Va.; grandchildren Jackson Bryan Dublin, Julianna Ruth Dublin, Walker Garrett Dublin, Keelan Kyle Splann and Bailey Allan Splann; his parents, J. C. and Thelma Balch of Jacksonville; father-in-law, W. D. (Jigger) Woodard of Chireno; sister, Sandra Balch Hatcher of Houston and brother-inlaw, Kenneth Woodard of The Woodlands; nieces, Deborah Holloway Thompson, Wendy Holloway Wilburn; and nephews, Stephen Holloway and Derek Martin; several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Pallbearers will be Eddie Arrington, Pete Betts, Charles Humphreys, Monte Ramsey, Luke Smith, Mike Terry, Rick Turner and Roger Warren. Memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society, 1301 S. Broadway, Tyler 75701.

April 20,2008

Information from the Cherokeean Herald