Dewey Leroy Balding went home to be with Jesus on December 28, 2013. He was born in Page, WV, on June 11, 1923.

His favorite scripture was 11 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years; the love of his life, Alma Kathleen Balding; Parents David and Georgia Balding, and siblings Nancy Joyce Wood (husband, Jim); Bud Balding (wife, Martha) and Charles Balding (wife, Forrest Ann).

Left to carry on his legacy are: Larry Leroy Balding (wife, Maureen), Vickie Marie Balding and Mary Lynn Thompson (husband, Matthew); Jared Lee Balding and Benjamin Leroy Balding (wife, Hillary); granddaughter, Lesley Kathleen Thompson; and great grandsons Luke Benjamin Balding and Nicholas Grant Balding.

Dad was devoted to his family and church and always had a smile on his face. He was involved in the Full Gospel Businessmen (known as the "Anointed Announcer"). He was loved by the children in church where he was affectionately called the "Tootsie Roll" man because he always had candy in his pocket. Rain, snow, sleet and hail were described as "liquid sunshine" by the man known as "The Greatest Man on Earth" to his children. Dad was named "Distinguished West Virginian" and "Hometown Hero" along with many other honors. He was known as the "Mayor of Laurel Meadows," by neighbors.

Dad worked for Appalachian Power Company; retiring with 48 years of service. He started in the Montgomery Office then to Point Pleasant, Ripley, Charleston and finishing his career in St. Albans as Public Affairs Coordinator at the John Amos Power Plant. Throughout the years he was affectionately referred to as, "Mr. Appalachian" and "Mr. John Amos Power Plant" by those who knew and worked with Dad.

Leroy served with distinction during WW II from 1942 to 1945 in the U.S. Army Air Force in the South Pacific where he received three Bronze Stars along with other honors.

The family would like to extend our gratitude to Mauna Barr, dad''s faithful and loving caregiver. Thank you, Mauna, for your excellent care of Dad.

Although we will miss him more than words can say, we know we will be with Dad and Mom again. So, in the words of Leroy Balding, "Keep Smiling!"

Viewing will be on Monday, December 30 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and funeral service will be Tuesday, December 31 at 12:00 p.m. Viewing and funeral will be held at Long and Fisher in Sissonville; burial will follow in Floral Hills Garden of Memories, Sissonville.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.longfisherfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Long and Fisher Funeral Home, 6837 Sissonville Drive in Sissonville.