Jesse Dale Balentine, 86, passed away on Oct. 22, 2024, at Good Samaritan Society – Denton Village in Denton, TX.
Jesse was born July 3, 1938, in Big Flat, AR, to the late Oscar and Jannie Rose Balentine. He had seven brothers and sisters, all of whom preceded him in death. At a young age, the Balentines relocated to Sarepta, LA, where Jesse was educated and grew up with a strong work ethic.
In Sarepta, Jesse met his one great love, Peggy Smith, and they were married in 1958. Peggy preceded Jesse in death in 2003.
Jesse was many things over the course of his life, but he was most proud of his time as a husband and father. He was always there for his family no matter what life brought to them. Jesse was also a proud veteran of the U.S. Army and served three tours in Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry Division. A dedicated crew chief, he was responsible for many missions over hostile territory returning home safely.
He retired from the Army in 1987 after 28 years of service and then went to work for the Texas prison system as a guard at the state prison in Tennessee Colony. After retiring from that position, Jesse and Peggy moved to Quitman, AR, to be closer to family.
Jesse enjoyed spending time with the 7 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He also enjoyed collecting and working on classic trucks, building an expansive gun collection, going to church and generally enjoying life to the fullest. Jesse was famous for taking family and friends out to eat and always picking up the tab. Truly few things in life frustrated him more than one of his children paying for one of these dinners, even on Father's Day.
Jesse was a devoted husband, father and friend who always placed the needs of others before his own. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Jesse is survived by two daughters, Susan Haley and husband Sam of Quitman, AR, Sandra Chadwick and husband Scott of Denton, TX, and a son, Kevin Balentine of Denton, TX. Jesse is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and a multitude of family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Nov. 16, 2024 at Hope Family Church at 5745 Heber Springs Rd. in Quitman, AR. If you'd like to make a donation in lieu of flowers, we ask that you support Jesse's favorite charity, the Wounded Warrior Project.