Wade Earl Balis Sr.

Wade Earl Balis Sr. 75 of Salem, West Virginia went to be with our Lord on June 19, 2024.  Born May 28, 1949, he was a graduate of Doddridge County High School and Salem College.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He loved the outdoors and spent time in the woods of West Virginia from the family farm in Doddridge County to the Backcountry of the Cranberry Wilderness Area.  He also had excursions on the Tundra in Canada chasing caribou and several areas of The Rocky Mountains hunting Elk and Mule Deer.

He was a proud member of the Pope and Young Club with a 130 7/8” Whitetail.  He was also an active lifetime member of The Salem Rifle and Pistol Club.

Wade was a faithful servant of God who preached, went on mission trips, worked with youth, and spread the gospel often.  As he was a fisherman, he naturally became a fisher of men. 

He retired from the Braxton County Board of Education where he spent many years as a band director.

He is survived by his three children: Wade Balis Jr. and wife Amanda; Julie Smith; and Brian Balis and wife Tiffany.  Grandsons: Kevin Smith, Curtis Balis, James Smith, Trevor Balis, and Gunner Smith. Granddaughters: Kaitlyn Balis, Kelsie Balis, and Aleah Smith.  Great Grandson River Sigman.  Nephews: Earl Gaskins and Wife Pam; Chris Underwood and Wife Loretta.  Niece: Marsha Ruth and husband John. Several great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by parents Earl Junior and Wilma Balis; sisters Saundra Gaskins and Margaret Hummel; a brother-in-law Dick Hummel; nieces Alicia and Melanie Hummel, and a nephew Andy Hummel.

Wade was fun loving and enjoyed life to the fullest.  He loved teaching people about his passions and shared many memories with everyone he came in contact with.

Family and friends will meet at Davis Funeral Home in Salem on Sunday, June 23, 2024 from 3-7PM and on Monday, June 24, 2024 from 9:00 AM until the time of the Funeral Service at 11:00AM with Pastor Gary Devart officiating. Interment will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery.  Online condolences may be sent to www.DavisFuneralHomeSalemWV.com. Davis Funeral Home Salem is honored to serve the Balis family.  

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