Obituary of Bruce L. Ballinger

On December 22, 1953, Rosa M. and Walter Ballinger, Sr. welcomed their second son Bruce Lynne Ballinger. Known as "Butchie" by relatives and most close friends. Bruce was a very active young boy, always ready to play ball (baseball, football, basketball), run jump, etc. Daily life lessons instilled within by his grandparents and parents. Always calling or referring to his mother Rosa as "Mother "not "Ma, Mom, Mommy "was the result of a stern lesson given to him by his father. He felt growing up in the Berlin, New Jersey neighborhood was like being raised by a village. Every child was everybody's child, so misbehaving was not tolerated, but addressed on the spot by any available elder. A favorite childhood memory was Sister Reid sending him over a personal batch of her homemade rolls. Bruce loved school and believed knowledge has power. He was a walking encyclopedia of knowledge in many different trades, countries, history, and cultures. A graduate of Edgewood High School where he was participated in baseball, track, football, and the championship basketball team. While continuing his education at Stockton State College, he was a member of the basketball team and college choir. He has a black business owner degree. Bruce's initial employment was working retail sales but then decided to strive toward his passion "brickwork". He became a self-made entrepreneur, constructing and renovating, seeing the vison, and finalizing the creation. As the owner of Ballinger Builders, Bruce believed that producing high quality work speaks for itself. He also spent many long hours snow plowing the streets and lots in New Jersey after winter snow blizzards. A sports enthusiast who followed Villanova "Nova Nation", "76ers" and How 'bout the Dallas Cowboys "with Facts, almost converted to Philadelphia Eagles after their Superbowl win! Fishing, bowling, roller skating, traveling and music were also favorite pastimes. A dedicated son, while caring for his mother especially during her time of illness, Bruce's greatest goal in life was to make sure all of his children knew that he truly loved them. Bruce was an IRONMAN! Never letting his pain show. Always sacrificing his happiness for others. Reaching out, checking on everyone without any expectation in return. He was a very proud and loving father, grandfather, and encouraging friend. He succumbed to his illness on Wednesday February 9, 2022. Bruce was predeceased by his brother Walter, Jr., his mother Rosa and father Walter, Sr. Bruce leaves to mourn his wife Helen Ballinger (m. 1998), daughter Regina (RJ) Hyatt of Florida, daughter Tinesha Williams of Maryland, his son Bruce (Iesha) Williams of New Jersey, daughter Millie Collier of New Jersey, son Travis (Jasmin) Jones of Florida, son Paul (Rachel) Morris of Florida. His granddaughters Jaidyn, India, Iyanna, Genesee, and Jaelynn and his grandsons Michael, Bruce, Brandon, Trevor, Jairius, Ellis, and Benjamin, as well as his best friend of 50+ years Kathy Jones, sister in love Cindy Jones, cousins, other family, and a host of long-time loving friends.