Judy Loray Balcomb

Judy Loray Balcomb, born October 11, 1942, in Dumas, Texas, passed peacefully on May 19, 2026, in Athens, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her parents, Horace Myrick and Eva Nell Myrick, and is survived by her loving husband, Skip Balcomb, with whom she shared 52 years of marriage.

Judy is also survived by her brother, Bryce Myrick and his wife, Benna, and their sons, Ty and Court Myrick; her sister, Sonya Gooch and her spouse, Lee, and their daughter, Shalee Stockstill and her daughter, Paige Stockstill; and her brother-in-law, Scott Balcomb and his wife, Abby, and their daughters, Theo Balcomb and her daughter, Nola Dwyer, and Hallie Balcomb and her son, Arthur Freeze.

As the oldest of three children growing up in the Texas Panhandle, Judy was the rock for those around her. She was the keeper of birthdays, the queen of events, and the person who made sure family and friends stayed connected. Judy checked in on everyone and somehow always knew who needed encouragement, support, or a little rescuing.

Growing up in Dumas, she formed lifelong friendships with “The Divas” and graduated from Dumas High School in 1961. She remained deeply connected to her classmates throughout her life, serving as the memory keeper and event planner for reunions and gatherings for her class and surrounding classes.

No matter where life took her, Judy built community. From Texas to Georgia, she quietly gave her time, energy, and leadership to nonprofits and to those around her. If Judy saw someone in need, she found a way to help — sometimes without the recipient ever knowing she was behind it all.

Judy brought joy wherever she went. She was a legendary practical joker who especially loved catching “Skippy,” family, and friends off guard every April Fools’ Day. She was endlessly generous and warm — until the games began. Whether it was volleyball, golf, bridge, mahjong, or any “friendly” competition, Judy played to win and loved every minute of it.

That competitive spirit and sense of adventure matched perfectly with Skip’s. Together, they shared a love of golf, travel, and experiencing the world side by side. “Just a couple of country kids from the Texas Panhandle,” they traveled extensively, including unforgettable trips to Europe, South Africa, Scotland, Ireland, and many cruises. Wherever they went, they made friends, created stories, and embraced life fully together.

Whether she was organizing loved ones, competing on the golf course, or traveling the world, Judy made people feel connected and genuinely valued. She will be deeply missed by everyone fortunate enough to know and love her.

A celebration of Judy’s life will be held on Thursday, May 28, at 1:00 p.m. at Lord & Stephens West (1211 Jimmy Daniel Road, Bogart, Georgia 30622) with a reception to follow at 2:30 p.m. at Athens Country Club (2700 Jefferson Road, Athens, Georgia 30607).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests for donations be made to Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, PO Box 48857, Athens, Georgia 30604, or online at foodbanknega.org/support-us/.