Edgar Ballew, Jr., 98, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2026. He lived a long and meaningful life, rooted in faith, hard work, and unwavering devotion to those he cared about.
Edgar proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955, stationed in Tokyo, where he worked as a hydraulics shop sergeant. The discipline, precision, and attention to detail he developed during his service became hallmarks of his character and carried through every aspect of his life.
Following his time in the service, he returned home to Imalene and 10-month-old Sheila and, with the help of the GI Bill, pursued higher education at Snead State and Jacksonville University (1959), earning a degree in Chemistry. He dedicated 29 years to his career at Allied Mills/Continental Grain in Guntersville, where he faithfully served as plant chemist.
Edgar had a deep love for working outdoors on his small farm, and an abiding care of the land and nature. He found great joy in growing and tending his large gardens, crops and flowers. The land was both his hobby and his refuge, and he took great pride in every task, no matter how big or small.
He was a devoted husband and father who was always attentive to the needs of his family. Through daily life on the farm he instilled in his daughters the value of hard work, perseverance, resilience, and self-reliance. These simple, yet meaningful moments created cherished memories and lifelong lessons that continue to guide his girls today.
Faith was the cornerstone of Edgar’s life. He loved his church and his church family at Union Chapel Global Methodist Church. Sunday mornings and evenings were special times of worship and fellowship where he found strength, community, and joy among fellow believers. His actions demonstrated that “when one genuinely cares about folk, one invests quality time with them.” He spent many hours, after getting off of his job, helping to build the new church building. He took pride in good workmanship and help in providing support for the legacy of his church home, and during the course of many years he served in a variety of church offices, including treasurer, Sunday School teacher, and trustee.
Edgar was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar Ballew, Sr., and Leah Estelle Cranford; his brothers, Harold Vincent Ballew (Inez), and Bobby Jo Ballew; his wife of 63 years, Imalene White Ballew; son-in-law, Michael King; niece, Mary Leah Ballew Moss; and nephew, Rodney Ballew.
Edgar leaves behind his devoted wife of 13 years, Patsy and family; his daughters: Sheila Knox (Daniel), and Marsha King; his granddaughters: Cassie Speegle (Steven), Danielle Hutcheson (Cortney), and Leslie Marchand (Cory); great-grandchildren: Grace, Killian, and Maggie Jean; his nephew, Danny Ballew (Lori), and niece, Denise Smith Deetman (Alexia).
Edgar will be remembered for his steady presence, his strong work ethic, the deep affection he had for his church, camping friends, and his family, and his faith. His legacy lives on in the lives he shaped, the values he taught by example, and the memories that will be forever treasured. A life well lived.
Visitation will be at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel, beginning at 10:00am on November 2, 2026. A celebration of life service will follow at 11:00am. Brother Matt Jordan of Rocky Mount Primitive Baptist Church and Pastor David Norton of Union Chapel GMC will officiate. A military service will be at graveside in Arab Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Edgar and Imalene Ballew Scholarship at Wallace State Community College: Wallace State Future Foundation, PO Box 56, Hanceville, AL 35077 (include “Ballew Scholarship” on the check, or to wsccfuturefoundation.org/ballewscholarship
