Upon graduating from high school, Ray joined the U.S. Army and served in the Artillery Division until he was honorably discharged.
Ray met the love of his life, Shirley Deering, on a blind date while she was visiting her grandparents in Hornbeak, TN. Excited to begin their lives together, they were married in Gary, Indiana, in July of 1967. Ray and Shirley were eager to start a family of their own, and their children—Rodney, Julie, and Ryan—meant the world to them.
In 1985, Ray moved the family to Bartlett, TN, while working in sales for Stanley-Bostitch. He was a member of Trimble Baptist Church and also attended Bellevue Baptist and New Hope Christian Church. He loved spending time outdoors, enjoying nature and the beauty of God’s creation, especially while feeding the ducks.
Ray never met a stranger who didn’t soon become a friend, but among his closest companions, John Ross was his childhood friend for life.
He also had a special soft spot for the family dog, Ruby, a rescue who was deeply loved by both Shirley and Ray.
Ray is survived by his children, Rodney Ballard (Christine), Julie Brooks (Mike), and Ryan Ballard (Christina); grandchildren, Doty Pettie (Hunter), Brenna Clark (Josh), Kelsey Brooks, Austin Brooks, Davis Ballard (Mallory), Riker Ballard, and Rayna Ballard; and great-grandchildren, Loren Pettie, Clara Pettie, and Blake Pettie.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; father, Jake Ballard; and siblings, Fred Ballard, Raymond Ballard, Mary Cloar, and Lady Ruth Long.
A private visitation for Ray will be held Monday, September 29, 2025, from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m., followed by a public visitation from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m., at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133.
A memorial service will follow visitation from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m., with a committal service at 11:00 a.m.
In leiu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer's Assiocation or the Wounded Warrior Project.
