“Only one life, twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”

Thomas James Ballance III, 77, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, in Norfolk, Virginia, after a short illness. Thomas James Ballance III, also affectionately known as “Tom”, “Tommy”, “Mr. B” and “Ballance”, was born on June 16, 1946, in Norfolk, Virginia to Thomas Ballance, Jr. and Sallie Sykes. He was preceded in death by his infant twin brother and cousin Helen Carol Dellinger. He is survived by his devoted, caring and loving wife, Patsy Simms Ballance, to whom he was married for 23 wonderful years. He also leaves behind seven loving cousins: Betty Lou Babb, Nancy Sykes, Betty Ann Chapman, Janet Lilley, Judy Haverstick, Linda Davidson and Janie Adkins.

Tom grew up in the Norfolk Public School System where he first attended Willard Elementary, then Willard Junior High, apprehensive he might end up graduating from “Willard High School”. Instead, he went on to graduate from Granby High School in 1964. He was a proud Comet who was quick to use the Granby Roll when wrestling. After graduating high school, he worked for Perry Buick in their parts department. He graduated from Chowan College (now Chowan University) in 1971 and Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College) in 1973, which launched his career of teaching and mentoring. Over his nearly 40-year teaching career he touched lives in the following schools around Hampton Roads: Alliance Christian High School, Norfolk Christian High School, Old Dominion University (Resident Advisor), Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School, James River Christian Academy, Ocean View Christian Academy and Yeshivas Aish Kodesh Talmudical Academy of Norfolk. Other overlapping positions he held which brought him great pleasure were tour guiding, working as an usher for two decades at Harbor Park, and ushering for years at Old Dominion University special events.

In his early years he attended First United Methodist Church and Temple Baptist Church (Norfolk). Later in life he served the Lord faithfully in The Alliance Church (Portsmouth), Zion Grace United Methodist Church and Central Baptist Church. His desire was to live his life in a way to lead others to Christ by his example. He loved people and worked hard maintaining a relationship with them. He loved reading, as well as his beloved dogs through the years: Muffin, Maggie and Maddox.

We would like to thank the staff of Sentara Norfolk General Hospital General Intensive Care Unit and the Comfort Care Unit for their faithful and loving care during his illness.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at Temple Baptist Church, 3300 Tidewater Drive, Norfolk, Virginia 23509, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers (he was allergic to most of them), please consider making a donation to Central Baptist Church, 701 West Olney Road, Norfolk, Virginia, 23507.