George, known as “G.T.” has been a lifelong supporter of his church, family, friends and community. He loved both Fountain City, where he was born and spent his early years, and South Knoxville, where he lived most of his adult life. G.T. graduated from Central High School and received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee in Business Administration. While an undergraduate, at the request of his mentor, Professor M.L. Townsend, he graded the papers of other students. For fifty years after graduating, he taught real estate licensing classes at the University of Tennessee.
G.T. was an accomplished licensed general contractor, certified general real estate appraiser, licensed real estate broker and licensed insurance agent at G.T. Ballenger Realtors in Fountain City. He served as President of the Knoxville Chapter of the Society of Real Estate Appraisers, President of Knoxville Area Association of Realtors and Vice-President of the Tennessee Association of Realtors.
He was well known for his integrity. Due to his integrity and knowledge, he was a “go to” person for numerous judges, who appointed him to provide services in a wide variety of cases, served as an expert witness in many cases and taught ethics for the Tennessee Association of Realtors and the Knoxville Area Association of Realtors.
He and his wife, Anne, joined Meridian Baptist Church on June 7, 1964. He was a faithful member for more than 60 years. As his pastor states, he served in every capacity except for pastor. He served as Chairman of the Trustees, Chairman of the Deacons, Sunday School Department Director, Sunday School Teacher and a tenor in the Choir. G.T. received many requests from individuals from his church life, as well as his professional and family life, for counsel regarding their spiritual, personal and professional lives. On many occasions, he cheerfully gave away, as his faith taught him to do, his time, talents and resources.
His loving family includes his wife of over sixty years, Anne Ballenger; children: David Wayne Ballenger and wife Rachel, George William Ballenger and Ruth and Alan Wells Ballenger and wife Terri; grandchildren: Kristin Ballenger Chaydez, and Austin Wells Ballenger; great-grandchildren Bransen Ballenger, Eliana Chaydez, Carsen Ballenger and Emerson Ballenger; sister-in-law Margaret Ballenger and dearly loved nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents George Turley Ballenger, Sr. and Martha Ballenger and brother, Donald Ballenger.
The family will receive friends Sunday, February 5, 2023 between the hours of 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Meridian Baptist Church, 6513 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville with a service to follow at 7:00pm officiated by Rev. Dana Fachman. Family and friends will meet Monday, February 6, 2023 at Lynnhurst Cemetery, 2300 Adair Drive, Knoxville for an 11:00 am Interment Service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meridian Baptist Church, 6513 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berryfuneralhome.com for the Ballenger family.
