J.V. Balch, 81, of Huntsville, entered eternal life Thursday. He was born to Robert Villard Balch and Goldie Clayton Balch in Lexington, AL. After graduating Lexington High School in 1955, he attended Florence State Teachers College, now UNA. On January 2, 1969, J.V. accepted a contractor appliance sales position at Molay Brothers Supply and relocated his family to Huntsville from Florence. In 1978, J.V. Established Bob Wallace Appliance Service, Inc followed in 1982 by Bob Wallace Appliance Sales, Inc. A very people-oriented salesman, J.V. loved his work and the customers he served over the years, recalling decades later, not only many customers, but the items they selected. A member of Metropolitan Kiwanis Club of Huntsville for 39 years, J.V. was recognized for outstanding service to the club receiving the J. Mercer Barnett Fellow and the Hixon Fellow Awards. He was active in local, state and national politics serving on the Madison County Republican Executive Committee and the State of Alabama Republican Executive Committee. A faithful member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, J.V. served as Deacon and Elder. He greatly enjoyed attending The Geezers for God Bible Study Group.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Jeanette Haygood Balch; son, James Wade Balch of Huntsville; grandson, Ryan Dee Balch (Amanda) of Huntsville; granddaughter, Erin Ann Balch Wasson (Christopher) of Auburn; great-granddaughter, Brielle Makenna Wasson; brothers, Ray Balch (Susan) of Sheffield, AL, and Anthony Balch of Huntsville; sisters, Zelma Lee Hayes of Muscle Shoals, AL, Marcie Thalia Bullock (Orris) of Florence, AL, Ruth Mashburn of Loretta, TN, Carol Riddle (Frankie) of Tuscumbia, AL and Melinda Gail McGee (Larry) of Florence, AL; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by brothers, Doyce Wendell Balch, and Ralph Allen Balch and sister, Frances Louse Williams.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 27th, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 301 Drake Ave., Huntsville, AL. A private graveside service will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Metro Kiwanis Foundation for the South Huntsville Library, P.O. Box 631, Huntsville, AL 35804; the Downtown Rescue Mission or the Music Department at Covenant Presbyterian Church.
