Balraj Sood

June 4, 1962 – May 21, 2025

Balraj Sood, age 62, of Knoxville, Tennessee passed away at his home on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. He had declining health due to diabetes and heart issues.

Balraj was known by most as Mano, which is his family nickname. He was born in Knoxville to Ravinder K. Sood and Peggy Jane Sood and grew up in the family home in the Fort Sanders neighborhood of Knoxville. He also lived in New Delhi, India with his paternal grandparents from 1972 to 1974.

Balraj received his high school diploma from the Oneida Baptist Institute boarding school in Oneida, Kentucky in May 1980. He then attended Berea College in Berea Kentucky for two years. His father, a mechanical engineer, did not see a future for him with a liberal arts degree, so he convinced him to leave Berea College and obtain technical training.

Balraj then enrolled in Nashville Auto Diesel College in Nashville, TN and completed a two-year program upon which he received a Diploma in Automobile Mechanics in March 1986. After receiving his Diploma, he married Betty Marie Brooks. He then went to work in Phoenix, Arizona for a company associated with the famous race car driver, Mario Andretti.

After a few years in Arizona, Balraj returned to Knoxville to work with his parents in the family real estate business where he worked in apartment management and maintenance. In September 1988 his son, Dustin Kumar Sood, was born. Realizing the need to be able to repair air conditioning systems for the apartment business, he enrolled in the State Area Vocational-Technical School in Knoxville where completed a 12-month course in air conditioning and refrigeration and received another Diploma in September 1992.

Around this time, Balraj’s marriage ended, and he, with the help of his parents, raised his son, Dustin. He often accompanied his parents on motorhome trips in the U.S. and Canada. Balraj was a self-taught amateur musician and songwriter. He played the guitar and sang. His genre of music included country, bluegrass and rock. Later in life, he performed at open mic events in Knoxville using the stage name Rockin Rolly. He performed at the open mic events to music that he had composed until his health no longer him to do so.

Balraj is preceded in death by his parents. His mother, Peggy, passed away only twelve days before he passed.

He leaves behind:

His son, Dustin Kumar Sood.

His oldest brother, Maharaj (Raj) Sood and his wife, Margaret Sood. Their oldest daughter, Raakhi Sood, youngest daughter, Uma Sood, and son, Ravinder S. Sood all of Knoxville.

His Uncle, Mohinder Sud of Knoxville. His Aunt, Geeta Sud of Florence, S.C.

Many cousins

The family will receive friends Sunday, June 1 from 1 to 2 pm at Berry Highland West Funeral Home with a funeral service following at 2 pm. Live piano music will be performed during the visitation period and the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the charity of your choice.