J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

Balser,Jr. SFC William B.

Thursday, May 04, 2006

SFC (Retired) William “Bill” aka “Buddy” Burton Balser Jr., 55, of Prince George entered eternal rest on Thursday, May 4, 2006.
He was born June 23, 1950 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was the son of the late William Burton Sr. and Marion Johns Balser. Preceding him in death was his brother Paul David Balser.
Bill completed his education at Northside High School in Fort Smith, Arkansas in 1968. While there he lettered in football and was named the State Lineman. Bill was the recipient of a football scholarship to Arkansas Polytechnic College, Russellville, Arkansas and later joined the Army. Bill worked for the US Army Force Management Support Agency as a Management Analyst. He received numerous outstanding performance awards, Distinguish Instructor Awards, and several other awards reflecting his drive and initiative to always perform in an outstanding manner. Bill’s performance reflected credit upon himself and the US Army.
He is cherished in loving memory always by his devoted wife of 22 years, Anna Elizabeth Jones Balser. In that union they were blessed with four children, LaTora D. Jones of Herndon, Virginia; LT Amanda M.D. Balser of West Point, NY (United States Military Academy); William B. Balser III of Milledgeville, GA (Georgia Military College) and Angela C. Balser of Hampton, Virginia (Hampton University).
He is also survived by five sisters, Jayne (Andy) Jacobsen; Elizabeth (Jerry) Eubanks; Gayle (Neal) Hampton; Debbie Balser and Dorothy (Johnny) Howard; four sister-in-laws, Lorine Jones; Barbara (Ray) Butts; Eunice (Joseph) Wooden; Sabrina (Wayne) Mason, all of Petersburg, VA; one brother-in-law, John (Connie) Jones of Seattle, WA; his mother-in-law, Bessie Jones, of Disputanta, VA; a host of nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews both of Fort Smith, Arkansas and Prince George, VA.
The family is grateful for all the loving support of Bill's longest and best friends Ron and Kay Carmichael, Anthony and Vickie Helm, William and Mena Rowles, George Scammon, and many more.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Service., 3050 West Hundred Road, Chester, VA, (804)748-2500. The family is invited to pay final tribute to Mr. Balser and view a memorial video at the J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home from 7 to 9 p.m. tonight. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com.
A homegoing celebration will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 11th at Morning Star Baptist Church, Rev Dr. Robert L. Elliott Jr., Pastor, 19121 Brandon Road, Spring Grove, VA 23881.
Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glenn Allen, VA 23058-5216, (804) 747-8334.

To Anna,Latora,Ammanda,William, & Angela
I am sorry to hear about Bill.He was truly a great friend & softball player as we had played together at Fort Lee & Petersburg Rec Dept for several yrs. as champion. Bill is now in gloryland and he was a winner in life even as he struggle with his illness while in the military and as a civilian as he helped to raise his family to higher goals. The Former Members of Hawks Bar B Que/ MRC Softball Team is losing a great friend and teammate. Don't be sad but be proud. I am proud to have known, socialized, played, & worked with Bill. Bill was not a quitter as he served his country, enjoyed life thru sports and loved his family to help raise them as they are to be model citizens.Bill is still playing ball with our Lord and hitting those monster home run out of the ball park in Glory land. Life is short but memories of our love one live on in us forever. Be strong and I'll be keeping you in my prayers. If you ever need me please give me a call at home 804-861-4883;Former Coach & Teammate; Petersburg City Council Member Ward 2

Posted by: Mike Ross at May 11, 2006 10:47 AM

Latora, you have been a dear friend to me for many years, and your family is like family to me. I am so sorry that you all have endured the loss of your dear husband and father. Bill was a breath of fresh air to everyone that he came in contact with. He always made sure to put his family first, and he showed great delight in being an integral part in the lives of his children. Everytime I came in contact with him, he was sure to make me laugh. His spirit will definitely live on although his body is at rest.

God will will continue to hold your family under his care. Just put your faith and trust in him, and he will see you through. He never gives us more than we can bear, so be encouraged. Be comforted by the fond memories that you shared over the years, and the hope that one day you all will meet again in the Promised Land.

I love you all, and if there is ever a need that you may have, please know that I am here for you always.

Felicia Miller
Leesburg, VA

Posted by: Felicia Miller at May 11, 2006 09:52 AM

Dear Anna, Latora, Amanda, William, and Angela:
When I heard of your loss, my heart simply dropped. I wanted to ask why, but I know I should not question God. I just simply said Lord have mercy. My thoughts and prayers have been with you all week and will continue to be with you as you move forward through these very difficult days ahead. Always remember that your husband and Dad walks with you and talks to you. He may not be physically there but he is in your heart. Live your lives in his spirit and the smiles will return to your faces. Rely on God's strength for He promised that He will be a shoulder to lean on. Please know that if there is ANYTHING I or my family can do for you, do not hesitate to call. My deepest sympathy with peace and blessings always.

Love,
Crystal Miller & family (Bedford, VA)

I Know

I said, "God, I hurt."
And God said, "I know."

I said, "God, I cry a lot."
And God said, "That is why I gave you tears."

I said, "God, I am so depressed."
And God said, "That is why I gave you Sunshine."

I said, "God, life is so hard."
And God said, "That is why I gave you loved ones."

I said, "God, my loved one died."
And God said, "So did mine."

I said, "God, it is such a loss."
And God said, "I saw mine nailed to a cross."

I said, "But God, your Loved One lives."
And God said, "So does yours."

I said, "God, where are they now?"
And God said,
"Mine is on my right and yours is in the Light."

I said, "God, it hurts."
And God said, "I know."

Posted by: Crystal J. Miller at May 10, 2006 10:33 PM

We were so sorry to hear about Bill. Our sympathy and prayers go to Anna and the children. Bill was always a joy to be around, whether at a ballgame or school event. He will be missed by all who loved and respected him.

Posted by: Ed and Vickie Hatch at May 10, 2006 07:06 PM

Bill and I worked together at Fort Lee for a number of years. As his supervisor, I can attest to Bill's sharp analytical skills, huge work effort, and caring nature. Bill gave his all in every assignment. I will miss his good humor, his warm heart, and his 'can do' attitude. His love for his family was very evident. A day never went by that he didn't have something to tell me, that focused on how proud he was of the accomplishments of his children. Bill, was great person. I am glad to have known him. I miss him.

Posted by: Neil Knarr at May 10, 2006 10:10 AM

My Condolences to Anna and the kids, Bill will be sorely missed, he always had a smile and a nice word to say to everyone, I know sometimes we wonder why things happen, but don't worry god is in charge and he has said well done my good and faithful servant, and has called his son bill to be with him, so to the family I say, look to the hills from where cometh your help, your help cometh from the lord, may god bless and keep all of you

Posted by: James Carmichael at May 10, 2006 12:16 AM