Obituary of Jerry Balcombe

Jerry Franklin Balcombe, 82, husband of Gwyn Savage Balcombe and son of the late Waymon Franklin and Elizabeth “Lib” Poole Balcombe, entered Heaven’s Gates and claimed God’s Amazing Grace on Sunday, May 28, 2023. Jerry was born in Fountain Inn, SC on November 27, 1940. Jerry was a member of the first graduating class from Hillcrest High School in 1958 after beginning at Fountain Inn High School. Jerry proudly served on the committee that helped decide the Hillcrest mascot, the school colors and the class ring design. Jerry is survived by the love of his life, Gwyn Savage Balcombe with whom he just celebrated 62 years of marriage. Jerry and Gwyn met in the halls of Hillcrest High where they became high school sweethearts. Their love story is one for the ages and has been a shining example of love and faithfulness. His commitment to God and his precious family were the center of his heart and soul. His pride and joy were daughters, Beth Balcombe Ward and Tia Balcombe Moore and her husband, Chris Moore. Nothing made him happier than being called “Granddaddy” by Brantley Ward (Grand-precious), Kya Moore (Precious Precious) and Karis Moore (Extra Precious). He called them all “his girls.” Jerry served in the US Army Reserves as a Medic between 1962 and 1968. He was an inventory accountant for Wunda Weve Carpets for 31 years and worked at Savage Motor Company for 23 years. Jerry was a devoted member of Mauldin First Baptist church for over 60 years. He was an active member of the Brotherhood and served as treasurer and cook. He has been a member of the Witness and Fellowship Sunday School Classes. Jerry enjoyed baseball and was a huge fan of the Clemson Tigers and Atlanta Braves. He was a collector of knives, steins, and other interests. He spent countless hours working in his yard spending time with the ones he loved. Jerry is also survived by three Sisters-in-law, Pamela Savage Mayfield and husband Leland, Kim Savage Anders, and Adeline Savage and brother-in-law, Donny Savage and wife, Carmen. In addition, he was loved and adored by numerous nieces and nephews. And one Aunt, Bobbie Poole, also survives him. Jerry was predeceased by his beloved parents, his loving in-laws, TJ and Rena Savage, two Brothers-in-law, Terry Savage and Jimmy Savage and one Sister in Law, Sallie Dodenhoff Savage. Pallbearers will be Jerry’s nephews: Danny Cavett, Ty Savage, Shane Savage, Brad Savage, Shaun Garrison, Zach Savage, Grant Mayfield, and Anthony Fuhrman. The family will be receiving friends from 5pm-7pm on May 31, 2023 at Mauldin First Baptist Church. A celebration of life will be held at 2pm, Thursday, June 1, 2023 at Mauldin First Baptist Church in Mauldin, SC with Rev. Wade Leonard and Rev. Ken Kessler officiating. Burial will follow at Mauldin First Baptist Church Cemetery following the funeral. Memorials may be made to Mauldin First Baptist Cemetery Fund, 150 South Main Street, Mauldin, SC 29662.