William Walsh

Balsam-William Duncan ''Bill'' Walsh, age 74, of Old Dummy Line Road, died Saturday, October 11, 2003 from a long illness, at his residence in Balsam, North Carolina.

Born July 20, 1929 in Dyersburg, Tennessee he was the son of the late William Cyril and Lelia ''Pete'' Walsh of Ft. Pierce, Florida. He is also preceded in death by his son, William Ted Walsh and his daughter, Kelly Lee Walsh. He was raised in Ft. Pierce and spent his summers in Balsam. He attended Bolles Military Academy, graduating in 1947 and later attended the University of Florida. Bill joined the United States Navy Air Corps in 1948 serving on the USS Midway, the USS Roosevelt, and the USS Coral Sea in the Korean War until 1953. After serving his country, he carried on with the family Citrus business in Ft. Pierce, Florida as well as serving in law enforcement as a detective, then as Chief Investigator with the state of Florida. In 1979 he became the head of Security for Stone & Webster Engineering Corporation during Nuclear Power Plant Construction worldwide. He was a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Ft. Pierce, Florida and served on the Vestry and as Senior Warden. In 1985 he moved back to the place he loved the best - Balsam, permanently and opened Walsh Automotive in Waynesville, North Carolina. He loved playing golf, woodworking and spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ann Eden Walsh of Balsam; his daughter, Holly Elizabeth Walsh, and her long-time companion Richard Clay Money of Jupiter, Florida; his son, Joseph Mark Walsh, and his wife, JoAnn Queen Walsh of Clyde; his daughter-in-law Lynne Campbell Walsh of Balsam; his three grandchildren, Jason William Walsh, and his wife Sarah Allgood Walsh, Rebecca Lynne Walsh and William Campbell ''Cam'' Walsh, as well as two step grandchildren and three step great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2003 at the Maggie Valley United Methodist Church with the Reverend David Reeves officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. His ashes will be laid to rest on Balsam Mountain, overlooking the valley, next to his son- forever loved, forever missed, and forever at peace.

Memorials may be made to the Haywood Regional Medical Center Hospice, 560 Leroy George Drive, Clyde, NC 28721 or to the Ted Walsh Children's Educational Fund, BB&T Bank, 370 N. Main Street, Waynesville, NC 28786.

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