After graduating from Stephen F. Austin High School, in 1948, he worked with his dad, Sam, at the family-owned Acme Roofing and Sheet Metal Company in Austin, Texas. During this same time, Birnie, embarked on his professional boxing career where at 20 years of age, he held the Texas/ Louisiana Tourney’s Novice Title and the 1950 Austin Championship.

On May 14, 1950, Birnie married Rena Marie Crawford. They were married 71 years as of May 14, 2021.

Birnie and Marie lived in Austin, Texas, where Birnie purchased the Acme Roofing and Sheet Metal Company from his dad, Sam, and continued to work and manage the company for many, many years.

During this time in Austin, Texas, Birnie and Marie were both baptized at the Faith Methodist Church and welcomed their son, Danny Wayne.

They purchased their ranch on FM 2325 in Wimberley Texas and moved there in 1974, where they raised cattle and exotic animals for many years. The ranch was where Birnie was the happiest.

Birnie, Marie and their son, Danny, travelled extensively to locations such as New Zealand, Spain, and China. In addition, Birnie greatly enjoyed hunting in Mongolia, Africa and Alpine, Texas.

Birnie is preceded in death by son Daniel Wayne Balke, brother Dale Balke, brother Ted Balke, father Samuel Balke and mother Ina Muriel.

Birnie is survived by his wife Rena Marie Balke.

Pallbearers: Andy Cable, David Law, Stan Farris, Phil Farris, Graydon Nodurft, John Ed Stepan. Honorary Pallbearer: Leslie (Bud) Law.

Visitation will take place at Thomason Funeral Home in Wimberley on Monday, February 28 from 10 a.m. to noon. A graveside service will take place at Cook-Walden Forest Oaks Cemetery in Austin, Texas on Monday February 28 at 1 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Thomason Funeral Home. For more information and to sign the online registry, please visit thomasonfuneralhome.com.