Mark Raymond Balding, age 61 of Brevard, NC passed from his earthly home to his heavenly home on August 3, 2024. He was the middle child of Arvil Raymond Balding and RoAnn Peterson Balding. He was preceded in death by his brother, Steven Floyd Balding, maternal grandparents, Jim and Macie Peterson and paternal grandparents, Floyd and Pauline Balding.

Survivors include his daughter, Madison O'Neal Della Balding (Arden, NC), parents Arvil and RoAnn Balding (Brevard, NC), sister, Lisa Balding Fort (Brevard, NC) and nephew Aaron Fort (Brevard, NC). Also surviving are aunts, Kay Powell (Gary) of Pisgah Forest, NC, Veda Elliott (Jay) of Hickory, NC and uncle Charles Peterson (Bev) of Lincoln, NE. Mark was also blessed with many cousins that he loved and was very close to.

Mark graduated from Brevard High School in 1981 and from Blue Ridge Community College in 1983 as a certified machinist. He became the very first machinist at Rockwell International/Arvin Meritor in Fletcher, NC and worked his way up to Quality Specialist. After serving 26 years with Rockwell/Arvin Meritor he went on to serve 13 years with the Brevard ABC Board where he quickly worked his way up to Manager.

As a boy, Mark was saved and baptized at Calvary Baptist Church. As a teenager, he joined First Baptist Church and enjoyed singing in the youth choir and in the group "The Happy Side." His dedication and commitment to everything he did was always obvious. He drove a school bus during his sophomore, junior and senior years.  He was talented in music and ceramics.  He made All-State Chorus and took ceramic pieces to Western Carolina University that won awards.

Music was a big part of his life. Over the years he followed local bands, Jupiter Coyote, Steep Canyon Rangers and the Bishop Brothers. Mark was a natural entertainer and loved to grill to feed family and friends. He was at home sitting around the fire pit surrounded by his friends. He was a kind and generous person with a big heart and wanted to help everyone.

Mark and his daughter, Madison, shared the love of golf.  In earlier days he was a member of Glen Cannon Country Club and spent many days with friends on the golf course.

Mark's other passion was watching the Duke and Brevard High Blue Devils. Whether it was basketball or football, his commitment was unwavering. He and his dad spent countless evenings going to games or watching them on tv. If they didn't watch the game together, he would call his dad soon after to go over each play. All friends who spent time visiting with him, took him out to eat, on sightseeing rides, to church and provided food for him.  Mark had so many friends that cared about him. A recent trip to the Parkway was special and will always be remembered.

The family would like to thank Dr. Norman Clark of Carolina Mountain Gastroenterology for excellent care over the last several years.

A Celebration of Life service will take place on August 16th at 6 PM at First Baptist Church in Brevard, N.C.  We request that family and friends please enter the church sanctuary to join in a worship service in memory of Mark and to celebrate his life.  A private burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to support Mark's daughter, Madison Balding PO Box 134  Pisgah Forest, NC  28768.

Online condolences may be left a http:// www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com .

Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.