Bob Balkcom

Bob Balkcom, 90, a lifelong resident of Florida, passed away on November 8, 2026. He was born on September 11, 1936, in Haines City, Florida, to Robert Earl Sr. and Ruth Cox Balkcom. Bob was a proud veteran who honorably served in the United States Navy for 10 years. He was the owner and operator of Barberree's Plumbing & Hardware in Haines City for more than 40 years before retiring and he was a member of Davenport Baptist Church.

Bob enjoyed watching television, playing on the computer, playing cards at the casino in Biloxi, Mississippi, playing chess, and rollerblading. He also enjoyed mowing his yard and spending time outdoors. Bob was an independent man who preferred to keep to himself, but he always enjoyed seeing his grandchildren. He was also an avid Harley-Davidson enthusiast who took pride in chopping down and rebuilding his own motorcycle. He loved going for motorcycle rides and working on his bike.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ruth; and his brother, Howard C. Armstrong. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 68 years, Helen Balkcom; daughter, Jana (Gary) Spaugh of Chapel Hill, NC; and grandchildren, Ben (Ashleigh) Spaugh of Fort Mill, SC, and Mary Leah Spaugh of Chapel Hill, NC.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m., all at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Haines City. His final resting place will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Haines City.