Jacob Alec Balan

Mr. Jacob Alec “Jack” Balan, 85, of Pilot Mountain, passed away Wednesday afternoon, September 2, 2020, at Surry Community Health and Rehabilitation Center in Mount Airy.  Mr. Balan was born July 1, 1935, in Highland Park, MI, the son of the late Jacob and Mary Roman Balan.  Jack was a sports enthusiast and a big fan of the Detroit Tigers and Miami Dolphins.  He served as the children’s church, camp, and bus director at First Baptist Church of West Hollywood, FL, from 1974 until 1989.  His heart’s desire was for children to know Jesus.  He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Ruby Joyce Cooke Hill Balan of the home; his children, Vicki Joyner of Tampa, FL, Susan Schweitzer (James) of Hillsborough, John Balan (Sandra) of Orlando, FL, Mike Balan (Toni) of Davie, FL, and Lacy Balan of Orange Park, FL; his stepchildren, Jerry Cooke (Janet), Jimmy Cooke (Suzanne), and Pam Chaney (Steve Pike), all of Mount Airy, and Joyce Jessup (Brad) of Westfield; ten grandchildren, Tiffany Barclift, Chloe Holley, Emily Balan, Naomi Balan, Zach Balan, Mike Balan, Amorelle Schweitzer, Avery Balan, Shiloh Mae Schweitzer, and Gianna Balan; a great-grandson, Tyce Sapp; seven stepgrandchildren; several great-stepgrandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, Mr. Balan was preceded in death by a sister, Violet Paluch; and two brothers, Cornelius Balan and Benjamin Balan.  A private graveside celebration of Jack’s life will be held for the family at Skyline Memory Gardens.  No formal visitation will be held.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, 135 Parkinson Avenue, Staten Island, NY  10305.  Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.