University of Tennessee Athletics
Neyland-Era Footballer, Knox Judge Dies
February 28, 2011 | Football
Feb. 28, 2011
George Balitsaris, a three-year Tennessee football letterman in the late 1940s who went on to a lengthy Knoxville judicial career, died Friday in Farragut after a long illness. He was 87.
After active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps. during World War II, Balitsaris played fullback at Tennessee from 1946-48 under legendary head coach Gen. Robert R. Neyland. He helped the Vols to the 1946 SEC championship and berth in the Orange Bowl, sparking UT's 9-1 regular season and perfect 5-0 conference finish with a 55-yard interception return for touchdown in the 13-9 opening victory over Georgia Tech.
For his career, the Pittsburgh native finished with 325 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.
While at UT, Balitsaris was elected president of the Men's T Club for two terms and was instrumental in opening membership to lettermen from all sports, rather than just the three major ones of football, basketball and baseball. After graduating in 1948, he entered UT law school and also served as a graduate assistant coach under Neyland from 1949-50. He earned his law degree in 1950 and went into private practice.
Presided from 1976-90
In 1976, Balitsaris was elected as the first judge to preside over Knox County Criminal Court's Division III. He served until his retirement in 1990, and his portrait is the only one hanging in the courtroom where he once presided.
Known for his love of the law and smart sense of humor, Balitsaris was asked why he didn't attend UT games during his retirement. "There were games I didn't want to attend when I was playing, but Gen. Neyland made me anyway."
Balitsaris is survived by his wife of 63 years, Julianne; and two daughters, Amy Melendy and Theresa Moore; along with three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The family is receiving friends today from 5-7 p.m. at Knoxville's Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. Funeral services are Tuesday afternoon at Highland Memorial Cemetery.
