United States Army Veteran, Mr. Sammie John Balom, Sr. of Atlanta, Georgia died Saturday, December 2, 2023 at the Autumn Breeze Health and Rehabilitation Center in Marietta, Georgia.

The funeral service will be held Friday, December 8, 2023 at 12:00 PM in the sanctuary of the Zion Hill Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia.

The burial will be Saturday, December 9, 2023 at the Mt. Olive Baptist Church Cemetery in Abbeville, Georgia

Sammie John Balom, son of the late Gus and Sittie Mae Hamilton  Balom, was born in Homestead, Florida.  He was the second oldest of eight children, all of whom preceded him in death.  Soon thereafter, his family relocated to Rochelle, Georgia.  Sammie entered into eternal rest on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 4:02 AM at the Autumn Breeze Healthcare Center, Marietta, Georgia.

Sammie's early education took place at the Polk City School in Wilcox County, Georgia.  At the age of 9, he accepted Christ as his personal savior at Myriax Chapel CME Church in Pineview, Georgia.

Later, he enlisted in the United States Army, faithfully serving his country during World War II.  He was honorably discharged from the military service of the United States of America in Fort Sam   Houston, Texas on November 24, 1946, having provided honest and faithful service to this country.

Upon his return to civilian life, he reunited with and later married his childhood sweetheart, Mary Pearline Everson Balom who preceded him in death.  To this blessed union, three children were born, Gloria Jean, Elvester and Sammie John Jr.

In 1948, Sammie and Mary moved to Trenton, New Jersey and united with Union Baptist Church, under the pastorate of the late Reverend A. S. Grayson.  His service extended to membership in the Lebanon Masonic Lodge and Veterans American Legion.

In 2006, he returned to Georgia and thereafter joined Enoch Church and Ministries.  On October 9, 2011, he became a proud member of Zion Hill Baptist Church.

He leaves to cherish his memories a son:  Sammie John Balom, Jr. (Linda) of City of South Fulton, Georgia; two daughters, Elvester Balom-Sewell of Lithia Springs, Georgia and Gloria Jean Balom-Reid of Delray Beach, Florida; four grandsons, Morris M. Balom (Charlene) of Port Saint Lucie, Florida, Isaac Davis (Sonya) and Michael Davis (Yvette) of Trenton, New Jersey, Ian P. Balom (Christa) of South Orange, New Jersey; three granddaughters, Lynette Blatch (Jacqueline) of Sarasota, Florida, Iris Blatch of Port Saint Lucie, Florida and Heather Balom-King (Jimmie) of Douglasville, Georgia; 12 great grandchildren; a host of great, great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Patricia Balom of Lakeland, Florida; a bonus son, Reverend Albert W. Holmes (Earlene) of Stone Mountain, Georgia; a bonus daughter, Laura Jefferson-Evans of Peachtree City, Georgia; a loving nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.