Obituary of Philip Lee Balin

Philip "Pops" Balin, 72, of Bryson City passed peacefully on August 14, 2017 after a fearless battle with Parkinson's disease and melanoma. Born April 6, 1945 in Indianapolis, Phil grew up in Antioch, Tennessee before serving in both the Army and Air Force Reserves. He spent much of his professional career in traveling sales, while he and his devoted wife of 49 years, Joyce (Hir) Balin, raised their two rambunctious boys in Marietta, Georgia. In 2001, the loving couple settled down on pristine Fontana Lake where Phil was an avid fisherman and brilliantly gifted woodturning artisan. Throughout his life, Phil's signature mustachioed grin, twinkling blue eyes and mischievous sense of humor left an indelible mark on everyone he met. He was a mountain of a man and superhero to those that loved him. His passing leaves countless happy memories and "Phil Stories" for his adoring sons, Rich Balin of Mebane, North Carolina, and Tony (Marnie Ryan) Balin of St. Louis, Missouri; his grandchildren, Jacob and Callie Balin; his brothers, Joel (Trace) Balin and Marv Balin (deceased); his sister, Dianne Billen; and numerous admiring nephews, nieces, cousins, family, friends and neighbors. Phil Balin will be honored on Saturday, September 2, 2017 at Crisp Funeral Home in Bryson City, NC. Receiving will begin at 1:00 pm and a Memorial Service will be led by Joel Balin at 2:00 pm. Immediately thereafter, a Celebration of Life reception will be held at the Fontana Lake Estates Boating Pavilion. In lieu of flowers, donations to Parkinson's disease and cancer research are warmly appreciated.