It’s with great sadness that I announce Joe Balickie’s passing on November 29th at the age of 91. Joe built custom stocks in the trade for years and was a charter member of the ACGG.
I was fortunate enough to meet Joe at a local gun shop in Raleigh, North Carolina before I started gunsmithing school. Joe came to the school with a custom rifle he had done for his wife Carolyn about a year after I was in school. It was the most beautiful rifle I had ever seen or held. Joe was my mentor and friend for over 45 years. I attended the second Guild show in Las Vegas with his encouragement.
I don’t believe Joe ever met a stranger and he loved to talk. I’ll miss him……
RIP Sharon Farmer-Dressel