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George Balentine Obituary
Family-Placed Funeral Notice
DR. GEORGE L. BALENTINE Retired Minister BRUNSWICK, Ga. - Dr. George L. Balentine, 75, of St. Marys, Georgia died Friday, April 28, 2006 at Hospice of the Golden Isles. Dr. Balentine was born in West Helena, Arkansas, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ouachita Baptist College and earned a B.D. and PhD from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky in 1961. He was active in both pastoral and academic fields in Arkansas, Florida, Georgia and North Carolina. Dr. Balentine served as pastor, First Baptist Church, Hope, Arkansas, and pastor, Northwood Baptist Church in West Palm Beach, Florida. In Florida, he also was instrumental in the founding of Palm Beach Atlantic College where he served as both Professor of Religion and Academic Dean. During his tenure as Dean, the college became fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Universities. In 1976, Dr. Balentine began serving as pastor, First Baptist Church, Augusta, Georgia, and served during the congregation's relocation to a new 32-acre campus with new facilities. In 1982, Dr. Balentine returned to academia as president of Shorter College, a senior Baptist institution in Rome, Georgia. In 1986, he returned to pastoral ministry as pastor of Hayes Barton Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. Under his leadership, the church began a successful television ministry, an international ministry, and a deaf church. While in North Carolina, Dr. Balentine also served on the committee responsible for founding the Baptist House of Studies at the Duke University Divinity School in Durham. After retiring to St. Marys, Georgia, he continued to serve as interim pastor of Baptist churches in Kingsland, Jekyll Island, and Augusta. Dr. Balentine is survived by his wife, Mary Sue Balentine, his daughter, Beth Balentine Mercier, his son-in-law, Fred Mercier, and two grandsons, Ben and Luke Mercier. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Chapel Fund, First Baptist Church, 3500 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30909. A memorial service will be held today, Sunday, April 30, at 2:00 PM in the sanctuary at First Baptist Church of Augusta. The Deacon body of the First Baptist Church of Augusta will serve as honorary pallbearers. Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Road, Augusta, Georgia 30907, (706) 364-8484. To express condolences and/or make donations Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries
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Memories and Condolences
for George Balentine
John R. King Jr.
December 3, 2023
Dr. Balentine was a professor of mine at Palm Beach Atlantic College in West Palm Beach, FL. He also served as interim Pastor at the church I attended. Dr. Balentine remains the best preacher I ever heard. Fond memories of him remain with me always.
Stan Lambert
May 8, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time of such great loss and sorrow.
George was a dear friend and a wonderful Pastor. He believed in me when others may have doubted me. He also believed that single men were as worthy as married men when it came to ministry opportunities, and he believed in everyone receiving a fair shot at following their calling and utilizing their gifts to the fullest.
Often in my work with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, I'm guided by insight that George shared with me, as he was a wonderful and trusted mentor.
I'll look forward to seeing him again one day when I'm called Home.
Prayerful Thoughts & Blessings,
Raleigh Daniel
May 6, 2006
George Ballentine was my friend. He was one of the greatest preachers I ever heard - and he was an even greater teacher.
Kim (Dixon) Writer
May 3, 2006
Beth,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Diane Brownell
May 1, 2006
Dr. Balentine holds a special place in our hearts - he baptized Parker and married us in 1967 at Northwood Baptist Church. My mother, Gladys Herbert, was secretary at the time and held Dr. Balentine in great regard. I'm sure they have greeted each other in their Heavenly home! Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Linda House
April 30, 2006
Our hearts are saddened with the death of George. We were privileged to be part of his family through his marriage to Mary Sue McDonald Balentine. He was a gifted minister and wonderful man. Our prayers continue for his family.
Bobby and Linda
Austin Rhodes
April 30, 2006
Scholarship in a man of God is important, but it means little without the ability to convey the gospel effectively.
Dr. Ballentine was truly gifted in his intellect and ability. He touched a generation at FBC with his insight and talent, and the messages he imparted to us will live forever.
Grady and Lisa Walden
April 29, 2006
Lisa and I offer our love and prayers during these days. We shall long remember our visits together in Raleigh,NC and St. Marys, GA.Thanks for allowing our lives to be touched so much by Dr. Baletine. He will truly be missed among the ranks of "Baptists". Please know of our love and prayers. Grady and Lisa Williams Walden
Frank Broome
April 29, 2006
I have worked with pastors and churches most of my life. Dr. Balentine was a shining example to us all.
Charles Cunningham
April 29, 2006
Florence and I join others in cherishing precious memories of Dr. George Balentine with whom we were honored and privileged to serve for eight years as members of his staff at FBC Augusta. His wife Sue and daughter Beth likewise endeared themselves to all who knew them. We continue to share their love for a beloved husband, father, minister, mentor and compassionate friend. We join with the heavenly host in saluting Dr. Balentine with the words of commendation, "Well done, good and faithful servant." We shall cherish his life and ministry on this earth until the day we share the heavenly home which is now his for eternity. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Love,
Charles & Florence Cunningham
Mrs. Charles (Evelyn) Shaefer, Sr.
April 29, 2006
With deepest sympathy,
Linda Locke
April 29, 2006
I have very special memories of Dr. Balentine. He was never our pastor, but I (Linda) served on his staff. He was a wonderful man for whom to work.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim and Linda Locke
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