Robert D. Ballentine

[Clark Funeral Home]

Robert Dillard Ballentine, Sr., age 84, of Hiram, GA, passed away on Sunday, December 23, 2012. He was born in Atlanta, GA, July 31, 1928 to the late, William Cleveland Ballentine and the late, Minnie Dillard Ballentine. Mr. Ballentine was also preceded in death by his son, Robert D. Ballentine, Jr.; wife of 54 years, Virgie Gorham Ballentine; brother, Willie Ray Ballentine; and sister, Cleo Faye Ballentine.

Mr. Ballentine was a Sailor in the United States Navy for six years received his Bachelors degree in Journalism at the University of Georgia and a Masters degree in English from Jacksonville State University. He worked as a teacher in the Atlanta Public School System for two years and at Woodward Academy (formerly Georgia Military Academy) for 31 years, before retiring as the Principal/Associate Headmaster. In 1990, he authored a book about the story of Georgia Military Academy/Woodward Academy titled “The Woodward Story.” Mr. Ballentine also was a City of Hiram Councilman for 16 years, Hiram Mayor Pro-tem for 14 years, Interim Mayor, and was a member of multiple boards and committees for Paulding County.

Survivors include grandsons and granddaughter-in-law, David Ballentine of Dalton, GA, Stephen Ballentine of Rockmart, GA and Trey and Jessica Ballentine of Rockmart, GA; great-grandson, Logan Ballentine; brother, Norman and Debbie Ballentine of Hiawassee, GA; sister, Connie Corn of Oxford, GA; daughter-in-law, Julie Huff Ballentine of Hiram, GA, step-grandchildren; Stephanie and Jason Camp and Kelly and JJ Hopkins; step great-grandchildren Daniel and Gracie Camp, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, December 27, 2012 at 11:00 a.m., from Paulding Memorial Gardens, with Father Adrian Pleus officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 26, 2012 from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Clark Funeral Home, Hiram, GA.

Clark Funeral Home in Hiram, GA, is in charge of arrangements.

www.samclarkfuneralhome.com