Harold Edwin (Hootie) Balch Jr., 75, of Flintville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at his residence on Sept. 15, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born on Dec. 10, 1948, in Limestone County, Alabama, Edwin was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and GG.

From a young age, Edwin displayed a strong work ethic, growing up on a farm where he and his three sisters worked together, picking cotton. He married the love of his life, Janice, on June 17, 1966. Their 58 years of marriage were filled with joy, laughter, and deep affection.

Edwin retired from Dunlop in 2003 and continued to work at SaarGummi, where he retired again in 2017. In his spare time, he enjoyed raising Tennessee Walking Horses, a passion that brought him great joy. Mr. Balch was a member of the Howell Hill Church of Christ.

Edwin’s legacy lives on through his devoted wife, Janice Lones Balch; his children, Harold (Misti) Balch, Donald Balch, and Lorie (John) Gusich; his grandchildren, Bryan (Whitney) Balch, Lindsey (Cole) Hindman, Brock (Miranda) Mann, Riley (Josh) Freeman, Easton (Lily) Mann, and Ansley Gusich; step-granddaughter, Jennifer Lambert; and his seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Faye (Bill) Grimwood and Royce (Robert) Balch, and his nephew, Jason Balch. Edwin was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Edwin Balch Sr., and Mary Lou Balch-Grimwood; sister, Barbara Balch Holt; step-grandson, Bobby Waits.

The funeral service was held Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, at Higgins Funeral Home, with Bro. Steve Hale officiating. Burial followed in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Harold Edwin Balch Jr.