Obituary of Nathaniel Balentine, Jr.

Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel “Nate” Balentine, Jr., died peacefully at home on August 21, 2017.  A veteran of Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, he served in the military for 30 years, 4 months and 19 days.  He began his military career with the U. S. Marine Corps and retired from the U. S. Army.

Nate was born on August 15, 1961, in Newport, Arkansas, to Nathaniel and Francella (White) Balentine.  Nate attended high school in Newport where he distinguished himself academically and athletically playing football and running track.  He would go on to attend Arkansas State University where he met and married the love of his life, Melanie (Price) Balentine.  Nate graduated from ASU in May, 1984, with a degree in Printing Technology and Management.  He received his Army commission as a Military Intelligence Officer in May of 1982 and upon graduation as a distinguished military graduate, began his Army career, traveling the world and enjoying life.

Nate leaves behind four beautiful children; Felicia (Balentine) VanVeckhoven (Cecil), DeeDee (Balentine) Layson (Jake), Karella (Balentine) Kordsmeier (Caleb) and Joshua Balentine.  He was the proud PawPaw of Joshua, John and James VanVeckhoven and Marshall Layson.

He was preceded in death by his father, Nathaniel Balentine, Sr., and leaves behind his mother, Francella (White) Balentine; sisters Joyce (Balentine) Edwards (Paul), Doris Balentine, De’Lisa Balentine and Mary Lee Balentine; 1 brother Charles Balentine (Marie); and nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles, all who loved him unconditionally.

Nate finished his career as the postmaster of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, where he was going to retire to the family farm.  He joined the postal service in 1996 working his way up from clerk in Ellenwood, Georgia, to postmaster of various cities in Arkansas over the following years.

Those years he spent raising his children, enjoying his grandchildren and pursuing his passions.  He rode his motorcycles, took care of his family and lived life to the fullest.  He traveled and visited family and friends around the world, leaving behind a legacy and wonderful memories for all who knew him. 

He is missed, much loved and was at peace with his Lord and Savior.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 2, 2017, from 3 – 5 p.m. at the Fifth Street Church of Christ, 403 5th Street in Newport, Arkansas.  A military honor service will begin at 3:00 p.m.

Memorials may be made to Fisher House Foundation, Inc., temporary lodging facilities for military families at major military medical centers, at 111 Rockville Pike, Suite 420, Rockville, MD  20850, (888)-294-8560.