Mr. Michael Anthony Balkman

Mr. Michael Anthony Balkman (Mike) of Tampa, FL passed away on Monday August 21, 2023. A Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 31, 2023, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Ray Williams Memorial Chapel, 301 N. Howard Ave. Tampa, Fl 33606 with Minister Elder Louis Moore, Officiating.

Mr. Michael Balkman was a native of Tampa, Fl; his family resided in Tampa, Florida and Michael Balkman completed High School in Bradenton, FL attending Manatee High School. While attending Manatee High School, Michael Balkman was a standout basketball player and part of the starting lineup in the 1975-1976 season that went 32-0 between the regular season and post season before losing in the class 4A state semi-finals to Orlando Edgewater. Michael went on to graduate from Manatee High School in 1977. The 1975-1976 Manatee boys’ basketball team aka “The Storm of the South” record still stands at 32-1 and the Manatee boys basketball team were inducted in the Manatee High Athletic Hall of Honor on October 10th, 2019. After High School Michael went on to play at Manatee Junior Community College, now known as State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota.

Michael went on to start his career as a dedicated and skilled truck driver. With 40+plus years of experience behind the wheel he navigated highways and byways with unwavering precision and commitment. He often shared stories of his road travels and adventures. Prior to taking on trucking as a fulltime commitment he met his wife Nancy Jorge in the early 80’s at the infamous basketball court known as “The Cage” on west fourth street in New York. Shortly after they relocated back to Tampa, FL to start a new chapter of their lives.

Michael was preceded in death by: his parents, Carolyn Finnell-Balkman, and Ernest Lafayette Balkman; brother, Ernest Ronald Balkman; and nephew, Malcolm Balkman.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory: his wife, Nancy Jorge; son, Renaldo Miguel Balkman; daughters, Marisel Alexis Balkman and Gabriela Elena Balkman; 7 grandchildren, Grandsons Michael Dan Balkman, Marley Balkman, Sebastian Ryan Gholston, Victor Ryan Gholston; granddaughters, Laila Balkman, Arianna Gisele Hicks and Jordyn Sani’ Balkman; beloved brother, Joseph Rudolph Balkman and wife Marcella Anita Balkman; beloved sister, Saundra Balkman-Jefferson; nephews, Terrance Terrell Balkman, Dr. Anthony J. Hubbard, Ernest R. Balkman, and Isaiah Moses Jefferson; nieces, Dominique La’sha Balkman, and Ashley Mo’nique Balkman; and a host of family relatives, friends and former teammates who will miss him dearly.

Mr. Michael Anthony Balkman will be leaving behind a legacy of warmth and cherished memories for all who knew him and as the number one fan of his son, Renaldo Balkman.

Arrangements entrusted to RAY WILLIAMS FUNERAL HOME, Rhodes & Northern, Owners, www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com. 

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