Son of the late Lal Chand Bhalla and Shanti Devi Bhalla, Vinod was born on August 4, 1940 in Lahore, Pre-Partitioned India. He completed his Bachelor of Science and Masters degrees at St. John's College in Agra, followed by a Doctor of Philosophy at the National Chemical Laboratory in the city of Poona.
On May 29, 1966, he married the love of his life and childhood sweetheart, the late Madhu B. Bhalla. Together, they lived their "American Dream," arriving in Athens, Georgia in 1969. Vinod served as a research associate at the University of Georgia focusing on testosterone receptors, distinguishing himself through publications, grants, and symposium presentations. After a short stay at Emory University, Vinod and Madhu moved to Augusta, Georgia, where he became a Full Professor at the Medical College of Georgia and a well-respected member of the Indian Community.
Perhaps the only thing that overshadowed his professional accomplishments was his charismatic personality. Known for his storytelling and distinct laugh that would light up a room, Vinod will always be remembered for his simplicity, humility, and generosity. There was never a person he wouldn't welcome with open arms and a glass of wine, nor give the shirt off his back to help. He would greet you at the door with that infectious smile and walk you out after a memorable visit around his fireplace. He was down to earth and enjoyed the simple things in life, never forgetting those who helped him along the way. He was loyal, humble, and selfless, always putting his family and friends first. Simply put, he was one-of-a-kind.
Vinod is survived by his daughter, Niti Bhalla Carlson (Chris) of Augusta, GA; daughter Jyoti Bhalla Ramsey (Dustin) of Atlanta, GA; son Varun Kumar Bhalla (Allison) of Columbia, SC; grandchildren Michael Charles Carlson, William Christopher Carlson, Elizabeth Sarin Carlson, Aidan Thomas Ramsey, Alexis Sarin Ramsey, Jay Kumar Bhalla, Cameron Lee Bhalla, Katherine Cash Bhalla, Abigail Sarin Bhalla, & Liam Jeffrey Bhalla; and sister Narinder Mohini Nayar of Delhi, India. He is preceded in death by his everything, Madhu B. Bhalla, with whom he is now happily reunited.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 1:00 PM, at Elliott Sons Funeral Home on Columbia Road. The family will begin receiving guests at 11:45 AM. Cremation services to follow will be private. Friends are welcome to stop by the house after 4:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support the Drs. Vinod K. Bhalla and Madhu B. Bhalla Oncology Endowment Fund. Donations can be mailed to Medical College of Georgia Foundation, 720 Saint Sebastian Way, Suite 150, Augusta, GA 30901 or made online to the Bhalla Oncology Endowment at https://mcgfoundation.org/give-now/.
To our Daddy, we know you are resting in peace with Mom. Your broken heart is now healed. Enjoy that glass of wine and watch us make you proud. We love you so much.
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