Richard Clare (Dick) Balmer, age 80 of Ellenboro died Friday, May 29, 2026, at Atrium-Cleveland in Shelby.  Dick as he was known to his family and friends was born on April 24, 1946, in Elmira, New York and was a son of the late Clare and Lillian Reeser Balmer. 

He was a mechanic and spent most of his career working for FedEx in fleet maintenance. He also operated his own shop repairing cars and he enjoyed rebuilding and restoring old cars. 

Dick loved motorcycles and he was a member of the Harley-Davidson Owners Association.  He and his wife Jackie twice traveled across the country on their motorcycle, making many friends along the way. 

Dick was a member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church where he was active in the church.  He served as a church usher and on various committees.  He was a veteran of the United States Navy serving aboard the aircraft carrier, USS America during the Vietnam War. 

Dick loved his family, community, and he never met a stranger. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James Balmer.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Jackie Atchison Balmer, his son, Jason Balmer of Forest City, his daughter, Mindy Balmer Hill (Curtis) of Ellenboro, his brothers, L.D. Balmer (Nancy), and Tom Balmer (Kris) all of Florida, his sister, Betty Balmer Rhodes (Jim) of Florida as well as his grandchildren, Lily Balmer and Brooke Balmer.

A memorial service will be held at 12:30 on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Oak Grove United Methodist Church with the Reverend Chris Glawson officiating.  Inurnment with military honors will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends at the church from 11 until 12:15 on Saturday prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to Oak Grove Untied Methodist Church, 1507 Oak Grove Church Road, Ellenboro, North Carolina 28040.

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com