Son of Statler Brothers member drowns

Well this is so sad. I can’t believe I missed it.

Greg Statler Balsley, 49, drowned last Wednesday, June 20, 2012, in Nags Head, North Carolina. Greg is the son of Statler Brothers founding member Phil Balsley.

According to reports, Greg was swimming in the ocean on Wednesday when a lifeguard heard his cries for help. The lifeguard swam out and pulled Greg and another member of the same group to shore.

The other swimmer survived, but Greg unfortunately didn’t.

According to a press release, there was a rip current but it’s not actually 100% certain that Greg died from drowning. I’m sure an official report will be released at some point.

Wow.  Sending my condolences and prayers out to the family and friends.

Greg’s obituary is after the jump…

Gregory Statler Balsley, 49, husband of Dania Robinson-Balsley of North Coalter Street, died on Wednesday, June 20, 2012, in North Carolina. He was born on April 26, 1963, in Staunton, a son of Philip Elwood and Wilma (Kincaid) Balsley. He was a graduate of Buffalo Gap High School and attended Mary Washington and Bridgewater College. Mr. Balsley was employed as a real estate agent with Real Estate III/Better Homes and Gardens. He was a member of Olivet Presbyterian Church. In addition to his wife and parents, family members include three sons and a daughter-in-law, Brannon and Heather Balsley, Bryce, and Tyler Balsley; a daughter, Krissi Balsley and her fianc‚, Justin Thomas; a brother, Mark Balsley of Swoope; a sister and brother-in-law, Leah and TJ Dickens of Phoenix, Maryland; a sister-in-law, Pam Garten; paternal grandmother, Marjorie F. Balsley; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Larry W. “Buck” and Jane Robinson; two grandchildren, Ben and Austin; three nieces, Lela Garten, Mae Dickens, Audrey Dickens; and two nephews, Caid and Bret Dickens.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Elwood Balsley; maternal grandparents, Lee and Myra Kincaid; and mother-in-law, Becky Robinson. A funeral service will be conducted 2 p.m. Monday, June 25, 2012, at Olivet Presbyterian Church by the the Reverend Harry Johns Jr. Burial will follow at Oak Lawn Mausoleum and Memory Gardens. Active pallbearers will be Mark Wenger, Curtis Wimer, Kevin Washington, Chip Harvill, Bill Hanger, John David Eavers, Rob Harvill, and Sid Harvill. Honorary pallbearers will be Harold Reid, Don Reid, Jimmy Fortune, John Lee, Sidney Supple, Ernie Landes, Timmy Swortzel, Dale Greaver, and friends attending service. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Sunday, June 24, 2012, at the Henry Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels of Staunton, P.O. Box 2354, Staunton, VA 24402 or to the Town of Nagshead Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 99, Nagshead, NC 24959. Condolences may be sent to the family atwww.henryfuneralhome.net.

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