Thomas "Tom" Freeman Balliet

Thomas "Tom" Freeman Balliet, 68, passed away on August 14, 2025, in Cary, North Carolina. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend, Tom lived a life filled with love, laughter, adventure, and connection.

Born on October 4, 1956, in Kingston, Pennsylvania, Tom was the son of Gloria and Milton Balliet. He earned a full football scholarship to Duke University, where he studied business and economics. Football shaped much of his character-discipline, determination, teamwork-and these qualities became hallmarks of his life.

Tom went on to build an extraordinary 40-year career in sales. He began with Xerox and rose through the ranks at Compaq and Hewlett Packard, where he became a respected Global Salesman. He had a gift for connecting with people, and his work ethic, integrity, and charisma left a lasting impression on colleagues and clients alike.

Tom's adventurous spirit carried him far and wide, from his time living in Switzerland to countless family travels across the globe. He was a lifelong sports fan, a classic rock enthusiast, and later in life, a passionate pickleball player. Most of all, he cherished time spent with his family-especially his grandchildren-who brought him immense pride and happiness. Whether on the court, at a stadium, or in the backyard with his grandchildren, Tom embraced life with energy and joy.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Gayle Lemly Balliet; daughter Brianna Molyneaux (Jeff); sons Matthew Balliet (Megan) and Jonathan Balliet; grandchildren Madison, Hayes, Julian, and Elizabeth; sister Vickie Pasternack (Jim); brother Calvin Balliet (Genine); and his beloved dog Bear. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gloria and Milton Balliet.

Tom will be remembered for his devotion to family, his competitive yet kind spirit, his sense of humor, and his love of life. His memory will live on in the countless lives he touched and in the family he cherished above all else.

A visitation will be held 10:00 am on Sunday, August 24, 2025 at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 200 SE Maynard Rd, Cary. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 am at the same location. A private burial will precede afterwards for Tom's immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and/or ASPCA.