George Talmadge Balch

George Talmadge Balch of Auburn, Alabama died peacefully at his home on Friday, December 7th, in the company of his loving wife of almost 65 years. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a doting grandfather and great-grandfather and a cherished friend to many.

Mr. Balch was born September 15, 1933 to Junos and Tamsie Porter Balch in Lexington, Alabama. Upon graduating from Lexington High School in 1951, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in agriculture from Auburn University (1954), a Master of Science Degree in agriculture from Auburn University (1962) and Juris Doctor from Thomas Goode Jones School of Law (1973). He began his career in 1954 as a vocational agriculture teacher at Gordo High School. In 1957, he went to work with the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service (ACES) as an assistant county agent in Pickens County. Then, from 1965 until his retirement in 1995, he was a pesticide education specialist with ACES at Auburn University, where he conducted many precedent-setting research projects that significantly influence modern agricultural practices and was also a sought-after lecturer and advisor on pesticide application and developments. He was a member of Auburn United Methodist Church for 53 years, a member of the Auburn Lions Club and Twin City #76 Masonic Lodge, along with several other civic and professional organizations.

He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Jeana Balch.

 He is survived by his wife, Mary Katherine Guthrie Balch; three children: Sue Ann Balch, Ben (Libba) Balch, and Mary Beth (Lance) McDowell; eight grandchildren: Addie Balch, Sarah Beth (Cam) Kirbo, Katie Balch, Joshua (Caroline) McDowell, Jacob McDowell, Benjamin McDowell, Benjamin Balch, and Seth McDowell; four great-grandchildren: Ann Margaret Kirbo, Campbell Kirbo, Bethany McDowell, and George Kirbo; four siblings: Lanee (Luther) McCafferty, Lelon (Mary Ann) Balch, Dallas (Joy) Balch, and Brenda (Waylon) Truitt; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Balch’s devoted caregivers: JoeAnn Johnson, Lucille Melton, Wandisa “Puff” Nelms.

A visitation will be Friday, December 14, 2018 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika. The funeral service will be Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 2:00 PM at Auburn United Methodist Church. A private family burial will follow at Auburn Memorial Park Cemetery. Lance McDowell and Reverends Charles Cummings and Julie Hare are officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Mercy Medical Clinic (www.mercymedicalclinic.org) or the AUMC MERCY Ministry or the AUMC Food Pantry.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home is directing.

www.jeffcoattrant.com