[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 76 (Thursday, May 10, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S2620]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     REMEMBERING SAMUEL EASON BALCH

 Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life of 
Samuel Eason Balch of Birmingham, AL, who passed away peacefully at his 
home on April 14, 2018. He will be long remembered for his love of life 
and his ability to maintain a positive outlook despite any adversity 
that came his way.
  Mr. Balch's industrious spirit began showing at a young age. While 
attending high school, he tended to his family farm and worked at a 
local drugstore. Following graduation, Mr. Balch entered the University 
of Alabama School of Commerce, where he quickly became involved in the 
political scene and the campus social scene. After earning his bachelor 
of science in business, Eason enlisted in the U.S. Army.
  Mr. Balch began his military career by entering the Army Officers' 
Training Corps, OTC, exhibiting his dedicated work ethic from the 
start. He was quickly commissioned second lieutenant. After graduating 
from OTC, he was transferred to Fort Pickett, VA, where he was promoted 
to captain and shipped out to La Havre, France. Eason finished his time 
in the Army as a major. It will not be forgotten that Mr. Balch spent 
much of the first half of his life serving our great Nation, proving 
his honor and dedication to service.
  Following his years of service to the Army, Eason attended the 
University of Virginia School of Law. After receiving his law degree, 
he and his family moved to Birmingham where he joined the law firm 
Martin, Turner, and McWhorter, which is today known as Balch and 
Bingham. Mr. Balch played an integral role in developing and growing 
the firm and went on to become a highly respected, valued adviser for 
many young lawyers throughout Alabama. I, along with many others, 
considered Eason to be one of the top utility lawyers in the United 
States.
  Outside of his professional career, Mr. Balch held a national 
presence in the Public Utility Bar and served on the board of directors 
for the Alabama Power Company for over 20 years. He was also a devoted 
member of the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, AL, for 70 
years.
  Eason and his lovely wife, Betsy, were good friends to my wife, 
Annette, and me for many years. I will always remember his ability to 
entertain any audience. Eason never met a stranger.
  I offer my deepest condolences to Eason's children and to all of his 
loved ones as they celebrate his life and mourn this great 
loss.

                          ____________________