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East Bay Quarterback's Death Saddens All

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 24, 2008

The death of the Rex "Scooter" Ballenger Jr., East Bay High's quarterback, prompted many messages of sympathy for the teenager's family and friends at TBO.com.

Ballenger, 18, of Apollo Beach, died Monday at Tampa General Hospital from injuries suffered in a vehicle crash May 17 at Big Bend Road and U.S. 41.

To post your message, go to southshore.tbo.com, keyword "Ballenger Guestbook." To read the story, view a photo gallery or watch a video of highlights from his career, go to TBO.com and search for "Rex Ballenger."

It's sad for somebody like Rex to leave us this early. He was a very talented person. We are going to miss you Rex. You will never be forgotten.

BRITTNEY JORDAN

Riverview

I am so sorry for what happened. He will be missed terribly. I know he is looking down right now, and we are so proud of him and his accomplishments. I love you so much Rex. You are an amazing person and loved by so many. To the family, God bless you. East Bay will always remember Rex. He has made an impact on many people. I will see you real soon, Rex. I love you.

LINDSEY PRALL

Apollo Beach

I can't really believe what happened. He was such a cool guy to hang around with. I will always remember the great memories in middle school and more in high school. You will always be in my prayers.

JAKE JACOBSON

Ruskin

It's sad for somebody who was that talented to leave us so soon. I just wish his family the best. Hang in there. We are all praying for you.

BRITTANNY HOOD

Riverview

Rex,

You were an amazing friend and athlete and you touched all of our lives and changed each and every one of us. I highly doubt any of us would be the same without you. We all have our memories, and you will be with all of us no matter where we go.

TARA ZUROMSKI

Apollo Beach

To Rex and family,

I send this with deepest sympathy. You are remembered in our prayers. May the God of comfort grant you strength beyond what is normal at this time. May you find hope in the promise of the Resurrection at a time when we will all live in a paradise with our loved ones.

DEBBIE (APPLEBY) WILDS

Portage, Wis.

We give Rex all of our blessings and prayers. We loved Rex deeply; he was like family to us. We've shared many good times together, and you will never be forgotten. God bless you.

CARISSA AND EVAN

Riverview

Max Lucado has stated that "God in heaven has chosen to bend near toward the Earth to see our sorrow and hear our prayers. He is not so far above us that he is not touched by our tears." During this tragic time we know that God is with you and your family. He is weeping with you in your grief and walking beside you to comfort you and give you strength. Our church family is praying you'll find comfort in His presence.

BIG BEND UNITED

METHODIST CHURCH AND

THE REACH YOUTH GROUP

Riverview

My daughter has gone to school with Rex since middle school. Over the years I have heard his name many times. I saw him about two weeks ago. I didn't realize it was Rex Ballenger, the boy I had heard so much about until he asked me if I was Meg's mom. I told him I was, and he said, "Tell Meg Rex said, 'Hi.'" He said it with such enthusiasm and with the most incredible smile that I walked away from him feeling so happy. That smile was contagious! He was adorable! I will never forget it. He was loved by his friends and by the community. My heart breaks for you all. As a mother, I cannot even begin to imagine the pain. Rest in peace, dear Rex, your friendship to so many, your football talent and your amazing smile will never be forgotten.

LIZ FANELLI

Riverview

Mr. and Mrs. Ballenger,

We have never met, but everything I have heard about your son makes me know your sorrow must be unbelievable. My husband serves at Faith Worx Church in Apollo Beach, and I just want you to know that we are continuing to hold you and your loved ones in our prayers. We have many in our church family who knew your son and share your grief. Please know we are here if we can be of any help to you. Our prayers will continue for you in the days ahead. May God bring you the comfort only He can bring.

KAREN TWOMBLY

Apollo Beach

To the Ballenger family:

We are so sorry to hear about your loss. From across the miles, we are sending our love and prayers. Keep each other strong. We love you.

JEFF and JENNA HOKE

Midlothian, Va.

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I knew Rex through his girlfriend. He was a very sweet kid and will be missed. I remember when he hurt his foot in a game and still wanted to play. That's dedication to a sport he loved.

RHENDI BUTLER

Riverview

I was lucky enough to have the pleasure of coaching Rex in football, basketball and numerous other sports at Apollo Beach Park. Every time he stepped on the field we all stood in awe. Those memories will never be forgotten. Thank you, Scooter.

SCOTT KNIGHTLY

Apollo Beach

I work at Mercury Insurance with Rex's mom. I don't know Rex, or his mom, but I'm a mother of three and I can't imagine your pain. My heart and prayers are with you and your family. Just know that God does not make mistakes. Look to God for strength and comfort in your time of sorrow. Earth has no sorrows that heaven cannot heal. God bless you and keep you.

CHINECQUA WALKER

Riverview

My condolences to the family. Rex really gave my family a lot of entertaining Friday nights last year as his star shone brightly as quarterback for East Bay.

JIM FINCHER

Riverview

We all miss you, Rex. Everyone who knew you is sad over this loss.

COLTON BRUNSON

Riverview

I was so saddened to hear of this yesterday Monday. I met Rex a few times through my cousin Jessica. He was a very nice young man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

HEIDI GILLETTE

Riverview

To Rex, Janelle and the Ballenger family,

My heart goes out to you in your time of grief and loss. Friends support friends. I feel for you as a parent and brother. May God comfort you forever.

ED HALL

Riverview

To the Ballenger family,

My prayers and condolences are with you in this time of great loss. My son Matt and Rex were very close and I can't even begin to imagine the grief you are feeling. The world lost a brilliant and talented athlete, but he will not be forgotten, he will be forever loved.

JOY ROGERS

Wimauma

I work with Rex's mother and she is such an awesome person, who has suffered a lot lately. We all feel so bad for her loss.

CHRIS LANDRUM

Brandon

Uncle Rex, Aunt Janelle, Jennifer and John,

I want you all to know that of you are in my thoughts every moment of these past days! I am proud of how much love and admiration that the community has for Rex (my little cousin). We will probably never understand why certain things happen to us in this lifetime. All we can do is try to make the best of each situation that affects our lives. To everyone that has had the opportunity to be a part of this young man's life, remember life is precious and he was making his dreams come true with dedication and hard work. A lesson to all make the most of each day with no excuses.

TINA TAYLOR-TORRES

Jacksonville

Rex played for the East Bay Buccaneers back in the day when I played for Temple Terrace, and we had some great games. It's sad to hear about this.

DREW ZINK

Temple Terrace

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

AUDREY ELLIS

Tampa

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