Jerry Neal Balentine, age 78, of Florence, passed away Friday, June 13, 2025. Visitation will be Monday, June 16^th from 11:30 am until 1:30 pm at Williams Funeral Home of Florence. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 pm at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery in Anderson, Alabama.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon “Cleo” and Linnie Balentine; sister, Viva Courtney; son, Joshua Balentine, and grandson, Chase Balentine.

Survivors are his loving wife of 59 years, Betty Raney Balentine; daughters, Becky Balentine and Lori Quillen (Joshua); grandchildren, Samantha Thomas, Caleb and Micah Quillen.

Although Jerry lived his last 20 years homebound due to a physical disability, he continued to brighten the world with his warm heart, his sharp wit and his silly dad jokes that his family loved.

Those that knew Jerry best considered him as an undiscovered music legend.  His musical talents on the guitar were admired by many with his impressive combination of fingerstyle and thumb-picking.  In the late 60s he taught guitar and drum lessons to his students at the former Cantrell’s Music Shop in Florence.

During the 70’s he worked at local TV stations – Chief Engineer at WOWL Channel 15 Florence and Engineer at WHNT Channel 4 Huntsville – where he shared with his family fond memories of his coworkers and technical TV adventures.

After his time in television production, he became a familiar face among North Alabama communities working sales and service with Gorrie-Reagan.  Affectionately known as the “Clock-Man”, his friendly demeanor and positive attitude were always welcomed among his clients.

Jerry was a loving and loyal husband, father and Christian.  He and his wife Betty, were a wonderful example of “for better or worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer.”  Their love never failed and stood the test of time.

As a father and grandfather, he reflected the 1st Corinthians 13 definition of love – patient, kind, generous, humble, considerate, selfless, easygoing, forgiving and truthful.  He taught his family how to love others and love God – not just in words, but also by his Godly example.

As a neighbor he was always happy to help others and loved to share the bounty from his summer vegetable gardens. And as a faithful member of the Church of Christ, he was always eager to assist when called upon to serve his church family.

He will be greatly missed, but we can rejoice that he is healed and at home with the Lord.