Ronsard "Ron" A. Balson, 84

Ronsard "Ron" A. Balson, 84, of Hendersonville passed away Friday, March 7, 2014, at Greenville Medical Center in Greenville, SC.

Ron was born March 1, 1930 in Chicago to the late James A. and Ruth Minter Balson. In addition to his parents Ron was preceded in death by a grandson Nicholas.

He served in the US Marine Corps from 1951-1953, and was employed with Western Union for 31 years until his retirement in 1987.

In 1987 Ron and Betty moved to Hendersonville and Sugarloaf Mountain Mobile Home Park. They lived and worked there until they sold the park and officially retired in 1999. Ron was of the Baptist faith and was always involved with the church as much as he could. He will be greatly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, along with many of his church friends.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Betty Drake Balson; a daughter Pamela Finlayson; sons Al Balson and Daniel Balson; 15 grandchildren; and 2 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Monday, March 10, 2014, at Refuge Baptist Church in Dana, with Rev Roy Perry officiating. Burial will take place in the church cemetery. A reception will be held following the committal service in the Life Care Center of the church.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.