Joe Balentine (5-25-12) service 5-29-12

Joe Balentine, 83, of Savannah, died Friday, May 25, at the McNairy Regional Hospital.

He was born in Florence, Ala., the son of the late Elmer and Mattie Stone Balentine. He was united in marriage to Linda Deshazier who survives.

Mr. Balentine was employed with Elam Trucking Company in Stantonville, Tenn. He had also been employed with East-West Motor Freight for 30 years, and was a truck driver for over 63 years in total.

Services were held on Tuesday, May 29, at Shackelford Chapel in Savannah, with Danny Keymon, Lonnie Godwin officiating. Burial followed in the Neill Cemetery at Savannah.

In addition to his wife he is survived by four daughters: Glenda Smith of Basalt, Colo.; Sandy Gratze of Aspen, Colo.; Peggy Balentine of Julian, Calif.; and Denise Murray of Joliet, Tenn.; one son, Rick Balentine of Aspen, Colo.; one stepdaughter, Lisa Hawkins, and two stepsons, Jimmy Brewer and Terry Tharp, all of Savannah; two brothers, Clifford Balentine of Savannah and Danny Balentine of Florence, Ala.; seven sisters, Eva Dean Woods, Francis Woods, Nita Clayton, Charlene Pope, Martha Pitts, Mildred McInnish, all of Florence, Ala.; and Pam Currotto of Lexington, Ala.; 13 grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren.