Jack Balkcom Sammons

Reverend Dr. Jack (Jackie) Balkcom Sammons peacefully entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, surrounded by the love of his family and the grace of the Lord. Jack was a native of Blakely, GA, son of the late Jack Sammons and Melba Balkcom Sammons. His profound love for Jesus defined his purpose, and he dedicated his life to following the path Christ set out for him, a journey that began when he became a Christian at the age of nine. In his younger years, he worked as a Sunbeam bread salesman in the Blakely area and for Flowers Baking Company for several years before being ordained in 1972 by Colomokee Baptist Church to become a minister. A man of academic excellence, Jack graduated with honors from Blakely High School in 1960; graduated Summa Cum Laude from Albany Junior College, Albany, GA in 1973; graduated Summa Cum Laude from Columbus College, Columbus, GA in 1974; graduated with a Master of Divinity Degree with Languages in 1977; and earned his Doctor of Ministry Degree from Southeastern Theological Seminary in 1982. Throughout his pastoral journey, Jack served congregations in Lumpkin, GA; Louisburg, NC; Franklinton, NC; Canton, NC, and Old Fort, NC. He also worked as the Director of Missions at Haywood Baptist Association for many years. Jack's passion for the Lord extended beyond the pulpit and into other areas, such as directing a children’s summer camp in Waynesville, NC, called Camp New Life; traveling with his wife and their Christian touring company, Creation Tours; and attending many other events, speaking engagements, and holding other various positions throughout the years. Jack was predeceased by his beloved wife, Joan Clark Sammons, who passed away November 1, 2021. He is survived by his daughter Jill Parrish and her husband, Bill; and a granddaughter, Addison Parrish. Services will be held at Colomokee Baptist Church on November 18, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Broyhill Baptist Children's Home, 111 Sneed Drive, Clyde, NC 28721. Manry-Jordan-Hodges Funeral Home in charge of local arrangements.