Stephen "Steve" Eugene Balch

The family of Stephen “Steve” Eugene Balch, age 75, announce the passing of his earthly life to his heavenly home on July 8, 2023. He will be fondly remembered by his welcoming smile and friendly conversations. He was a faithful member of the Luther Memorial Lutheran Church and a lifelong member of the Parrottsville Community. He attended Parrottsville Elementary and High School, where he met the love of his life, Emma Lee. They agreed to go on their first date on April 8, 1965 because that was the date between their birthdays. After graduating high school, he attended East Tennessee State University until he joined the Air Force in 1970, serving until 1974. Upon finishing his military service, he began his teaching career in 1974. During this time, he also earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education at Carson Newman College. After serving his country, he continued serving the Parrottsville community to make it better for everyone by joining the Parrottsville Ruritan Club. He was an active member of the club since 1974 and was currently serving as the Smoky Mountain District Zone Governor and had previous distinction of Smoky Mountain District Governor and also Chaplain. He retired from the Cocke County School District in 2007 after working at West End, Northwest, and Parrottsville Elementary Schools. After his retirement he assisted at Costner-Maloy Funeral Home, where he had many fond memories and stories of growing up at the family business, formerly known as Maloy Funeral Home. He also served as a lay minister for his home church and other community Lutheran churches. He enjoyed volunteering at the Bread Basket and Feed My Sheep. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and community. He was a loving and devoted husband of 52 years to his wife, Emma Lee (Nease) Balch, caring father and father-in-law of Julie and Michael Reichert and grandfather to the joys of his life, Tucker and Isabel Reichert. Survivors also include his brother-in-law, Barry Nease, Sr., nephews Kent (Sharon) Nease, Barry (Kristy) Nease, Jr., Jon (Brandy) Nease, niece Leigh Anne (Josh) Hall, as well as great nephews, great-nieces, and a great-great-niece, cousins, Janice Barnes, Peachie Cody, Todd Cooper, Tye Cooper, Yvonne Fleming, Tim Heatherly, Danny McGaha, Loretta Roberts, and other special friends and family members. He was preceded in death by his father, Cleo Balch, mother Marjorie (Baxter) Thornton, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Fred and Betty Nease and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Norman and Jeanette Nease. Pallbearers – Barry Nease, Jr., Jon Nease, Keary Nease, Evan Nease, Greg Nease, Tye Cooper, Perry Tate Honorary Pallbearers – Barry Nease, Sr., Kent Nease, Todd Cooper, Alex Tate, and Members of the Parrottsville Ruritan Club The family will receive friends from 4 pm – 7 pm, Tuesday July 11, 2023, with the funeral service following at 7 pm In Manes Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Norman Deal officiating. Mr. Balch will lie in state from 10 am – 10: 30 am Wednesday, July 12, 2023, with funeral service following at 10:30 am in the Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, Rev. Norman Deal officiating. Burial will follow in Luther Memorial Lutheran Church Cemetery, with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Luther Memorial Lutheran Church Cemetery C/O Jordan Shaver, 1342 Old Parrottsville Hwy, Parrottsville, TN, 37843 Family and friends may sign the guest register online at: www.manesfuneralhome.com. Arrangements with Manes Funeral Home.

Stephen "Steve" Eugene Balch

April 7, 1948 - July 8, 2023