Mr. Robert E. Balkcom, a native of Blakely, Georgia, attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and received his BSA and MSA Degrees in Agriculture Education from the University of Georgia. He served on active duty in the US Air Force for two years and in the Reserves for thirty years, retiring as Lieutenant Colonel.

Mr. Balkcom's life was devoted to being involved in the growth, learning, and the development process of youth. For thirty-eight years, he taught Vocational Agriculture and was the Chapter Senior Advisor for the local FFA Chapter. During his career, more than two percent of his students received their American Farmer Degree. His Chapter also won twenty-five Gold Emblem Awards. Many honors were bestowed upon Mr. Balkcom. He was named Educator of the Year in Georgia in 1979. Mr. Balkcom also received the American Farmer Degree.

Mr. Balkcom held membership and served as president in several organizations including the Georgia, as well as, National Vocational Agriculture Teachers Associations, the Early County and Georgia Association of Educators, the Georgia Farm Bureau, and the Blakely Lions Club. Mr. Balkcom died in 1996.