Dr. Billy W. Balch, 91, died on March 31, 2025 in Murfreesboro, TN. B.W. was born on May 24, 1933 in Madison County, AL to Mary S. and Wesley L. Balch.

He is survived by son, John D. Balch (Sheila) and daughter, Margaret B. Farmer (John) of Murfreesboro, TN; six grandchildren (and spouses), Thomas (Marida) Balch, Ben (Lauren) Balch, Amy Balch, Joshua (Kaitlin) Farmer, Ethan (Cayla) Farmer, and Anna (Caleb) Dyson; ten great grandchildren, Eli, Ryman, Asher, Kinley, Jude, Hudson, Karley, Kolbe, June, and Lila; twin brother and sister-in-law, Bobby and Nancy Balch of Decatur, AL; sister, Joyce Tann of Decatur, AL; brother-in-law, Frank Gray and wife Jo of Athens, AL; along with many cherished nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his dearly beloved wife of 68 years Annette G. Balch; brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Mildred Balch; brother-in-law, Ferdinand Tann; and great granddaughter, Weslee Gianna Balch.

Dr. Balch was a 1951 graduate of East Limestone High School in Athens, AL. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. He graduated from Florence State College in 1959 and the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa in 1968 where he earned M.B.A and P.H.D degrees.

Dr. Balch taught briefly at Auburn University in Alabama before serving more than 30 years at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). He retired from MTSU in 1996 after a distinguished career as a professor of Economics, chairman of the Econ and Fin. Department, and director of doctoral programs. He was a prolific writer whose work was published in dozens of scholarly journals. His leadership was instrumental in the MTSU school of Business earning prestigious accreditation by the Assoc. to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). He was a sponsor of the MTSU chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma (international honorary business society for AACSB-accredited schools).

More than all else, Dr. Balch was a teacher. There is no greater testament than the countless MTSU graduates who still bear witness to his influence especially those who, inspired by his passion for the subject, selected Economics as their college and graduate major(s). He was honored by the university as an outstanding teacher in 1974-1975.

B.W. was a longtime member of First Baptist Church, Murfreesboro and a founding member of Calvary Baptist (now OneChurch Calvary).

B.W. adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was absolutely the best son, brother, husband, father, uncle Billy, Granddaddy, and friend. He will be missed every day, but we take comfort in the promise that we will be together again.

A private family graveside celebration of life is planned. Grandsons Thomas, Ben, Joshua, Ethan, and Caleb will serve as pallbearers.

To honor him please consider making a donation to One Church-Calvary Building Fund or the Dr. B.W. Balch Scholarship at MTSU at www.mtsu.edu/supportbusiness . Select the amount of your gift, select "other" from the drop-down menu and enter 94620 or Balch Economics Scholarship. Complete your personal and payment information and submit.

The family would like to thank HoneyHill HomeCare, Amedisys Home Health, and Alive Hospice.

"Blessed are the peacemakers. For they shall be called Sons of God," Matthew 5:9