Wayne Andrew Ballew

Wayne Andrew Ballew, 69, of Clayton, GA went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, January 1, 2013 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

He was born in Franklin, NC and was the son of Lyman Paul and Myrtle Vinson Ballew.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Bryant Ballew and a sister, Anna Lou "Toots" Baty. Wayne is survived by his wife, Marilyn Mitchell Ballew, son, Russell Ballew and his wife Amanda of Dahlonega, GA; a daughter, Deborah Ballew of Franklin, NC; a brother, Joe Paul Ballew of Franklin, NC; two sisters, Evelyn Alstat of Traverse City, MI, Mary Keener of Franklin, NC; and honorary grandchildren, Marena Woodall and Matthew Neely.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and received the Purple Heart while serving his country in Vietnam. Wayne was employed in the dye operations at Burlington Industries and Fruit of the Loom. He was a member of Peoples Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and taught Sunday School. He was a member of the VFW in Franklin, NC and the American Legion in Rabun County. Wayne loved traveling and fishing. He was a loving and caring husband, father, and brother.

The family will receive friends at Beck Funeral Home Thursday, January 3, 2012 from 6 PM to 8 PM. Funeral services will be held in the Beck Funeral Home Chapel Friday, January 4, 2012 at 2:00 PM with Rev. Ronia Hunter, and Rev. Kenny Kilby officiating. Burial will follow at Wright Cemetery with Military Honors. Nephews will serve as pallbearers.

Donations in Wayne Ballew's memory may be made to Wright Cemetery or to Peoples Baptist Church, 623 Dunlap Street, Clayton, GA 30525

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.