A house RESOLUTION

TO REMEMBER AND CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF Dennis Carroll Ballentine, to EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON his PASSING, AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS LOVING FAMILY AND HIS MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of Dennis Carroll Ballentine at the age of seventy-nine on Thursday, February 26, 2026; and

Whereas, born in Columbia, he was the son of the late Ena Trussell Ballentine and the late Bernard Carroll Ballentine of Columbia and was reared in a loving home with his brother, the late Doug Ballentine; and

Whereas, Mr. Ballentine graduated from A.C. Flora High School in Columbia and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of South Carolina; and

Whereas, in the patriotic tradition of the sons of South Carolina, he served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War with the Mobile Riverine Force in the Mekong Delta. During his military service in Vietnam, he was awarded two Bronze Stars and the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat V. After four years of military service, Mr. Ballentine received an honorable discharge and later received the Quilt of Valor; and

Whereas, Mr. Ballentine became a certified public accountant (CPA) with S.D. Leidesdorf National CPA firm and then became vice president of finance with Hewitt Coleman and Associates. Later he owned his own CPA practice, Clarke and Ballentine LLC, renamed Ballentine and Hodges LLC, before retiring in 2013; and

Whereas, an active and faithful member of Taylors First Baptist Church, he served the congregation as part of the church's security team and as an usher. He served in various church ministries, including as a coach for a boys' basketball team, Royal Ambassador leader, marriage small-group facilitator, Intercessory Prayer member, and finance committee member; and

Whereas, dedicated to his community, Mr. Ballentine served on the board for the Taylors Free Medical Clinic, on the board of the Paraclete Foundation, the Greenville Estate Planning Council, and the finance committee at the Poinsett Club. He generously supported World Vision and the North Greenville University Christian Ministry Scholarship Fund and served on the latter board of directors. He was a member of numerous professional and civic organizations; and

Whereas, together with his beloved wife of fifty-six years, Mitsy Winburn Ballentine, he reared a fine son, Representative Nathan Ballentine of Chapin. His son blessed him with the affection of two loving grandchildren, JC and Emma of Chapin, who affectionately called him "Big D." Mr. Ballentine's family circle was enlarged by his in-laws: Gail Ballentine of Auburn, Georgia; John Winburn of Greer; and Reverend Bob Clarke of Alpharetta, Georgia. Included in that circle were several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and

Whereas, in his free time, he enjoyed spending time with Mitsy at their condo in Garden City. He was an avid Gamecock fan and a proud grandpa, and he read his Bible every day; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for the life and legacy of Dennis Ballentine and for the example of service, dedication, and faith he set for all who knew him. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, remember and celebrate the life of Dennis Carroll Ballentine, express their profound sorrow upon his passing, and extend their deepest sympathy to his loving family and his many friends.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Dennis Carroll Ballentine.

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