Ottis Moss Ballenger ’63

Ottis Moss Ballenger ’63, 70, loving husband of Ann Sutherland Ballenger, 11 Red Fox Trl., Greenville, SC 29615, died peacefully among family on Feb. 2, 2012, at his home after a long battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Born in Toccoa, Ga., he was a son of the late Ottis and Marjorie Moss Ballenger. He graduated from Davidson and the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). Ballenger served as a Navy doctor, lieutenant commander, at Camp Lejeune, N.C., and then specialized in neurosurgery at MUSC. Ballenger came to Greenville, S.C., in 1973 and joined Neurosurgical Associates-his partners were Dr. Frank Espey, Dr. Ted Littlepage, and Dr. John Lucas. He retired in 1996 and enjoyed traveling the world with his wife. He was an avid reader, always sharing articles and books with friends and encouraging the search for knowledge. His love for animals led him to be a passionate supporter of the Humane Society and Concerned Citizens for Animals; one of the highlights of his life was a trip to Kenya to see the wildlife there. Ballenger was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Greenville and the Greenville County Medical Society. During his formative years in Easley, Ballenger was a member of Boy Scout Troop 26. With the Boy Scouts, he earned rank of Eagle Scout in 1956 and the Order of the Arrow. Scouting reinforced the solid foundation that steadied Ballenger throughout his life. He had a fervent work ethic and a compelling love of God and country. Surviving are his wife of 49 years, Ann; his daughters, Amy Ballenger Guest (Elijah) and Laura Ballenger Foxhall (Scott); his son, Ottis Mark Ballenger (Lydia); and five grandchildren, Will Guest, Owen and Lucian Ballenger, and Kade and Kennedy Foxhall. He is also survived by his brothers, James F. Ballenger and Terrell D. Ballenger (Greer).