Grant Michael Balka (born August 10, 1999) is the third child and second son of Michael Balka and Kristy Balka.
He is the brother of Kelton Balka, Ariana Cape, Carson Balka, and Kierstin Balka.
He is the husband of Maddie Balka.
Early Life[]
Grant Michael Balka was born on August 10, 1999, to Michael Balka and Kristy Balka. He was the couple's third child, and they went on to have two more children after him, which resulted in his mother dying while giving birth to her final child, Kierstin, on April 14, 2009.
After his mother's death, the family moved from their home in South Carolina to Tennessee.
Along with his siblings, Grant was homeschooled growing up. His father taught Bible, History, and P.E., and his mother taught all the other subjects. After his mother passed away, his father assumed responsibility for homeschooling the kids in all subjects. The family used the homeschool umbrella school at Temple Baptist Academy in Powell, Tennessee to report their grades. He graduated in 2017.
Growing up, Grant was an active participant in Bible Quiz competitions.
Personal Life[]
Relationship with Maddie[]
On May 11, 2021, Grant revealed his relationship with Maddie Ragle. He posted a picture of the two of them on Instagram as dates to the Fine Arts Gala at Pensacola Christian College. Grant and Maddie met at a children's Bible club at a park in Pensacola, Florida during Maddie's Freshman year at Pensacola Christian College, during the 2019/2020 school year. Grant was immediately drawn to Maddie, but she showed him little interest. In January 2021, Grant asked Maddie out for a first date and she accepted. In May 2021, Grant asked Maddie to officially be his girlfriend.
Engagement[]
On August 18, 2021, Grant got engaged to Maddie Ragle. He proposed to her at the Overlook at Douglas Dam in Sevierville, Tennessee.
Marriage[]
On May 21, 2022, Grant married Madison Elizabeth Ragle in Pensacola, Florida. Grant's best man was his friend Rob Miller. His groomsmen were his brothers Kelton and Carson, Maddie's brother Taylor, and his friend Stephen Marshall. Maddie's matron of honor was her sister Emily. Her bridesmaids were her sister-in-law Bella, Grant's sisters Ariana and Kierstin, and her friend Ellie Hilsher. Her junior bridesmaid was her friend D'Anna Winn.
Career[]
Education[]
In Fall 2017, Grant began attending Pensacola Christian College. He played on the Pi Zeta Delta soccer team and broom hockey team. On May 14, 2021, he graduated with his Bachelor's Degree in Accounting. In June 2022, Grant began attending Pensacola Christian College for his Master's Degree.
Plumbing[]
On December 15, 2018, Grant became a licensed plumber. As of June 2018, Grant worked for The Plumbing Authority in Knoxville, Tennessee, alongside his brothers Kelton and Carson.
Accounting[]
Grant works as a Public Accountant in Florida.
Television[]
Grant appeared on the UpTV show Bringing Up Bates as the brother-in-law of Josie Bates.
Wedding Involvement[]
Grant was a groomsman at his brother Kelton's wedding to Josie Bates on October 5, 2018.
He was a groomsman at his sister Ariana's wedding to Joel Cape on May 23, 2020.