Samuel David Ballard, Jr.

Samuel David Ballard Jr., 88, of Grand Saline, Texas went home to the Lord on February 17, 2025, in Tyler, Texas. He was born in Colfax, Texas on March 16, 1936, to Samuel David Ballard Sr. and Jeffie Davis Ballard.

There will be a viewing at 1:00 p.m. followed by a graveside service at 2:00 p.m. will be held at Eubank Funeral Home and Haven of Memories Memorial Park on Monday, February 24, 2025.

David, as he was known by his family and friends, grew up in Van and was a graduate of Van High School. David served in the Army and the Army National Guard as a young man. He loved music of all types and played guitar in a local band called “The Rhythm Ramblers.” David was a welder by trade and has over 35 years with GE/Trane while also farming and ranching his land. His children fondly remember David welding small and unique critters from metal in his free time.

He was a member of the Assembly of God Church, now Community Church in Van. He was a faithful Christian and served as a deacon at several churches throughout his life, always answering the calling of God.

David was into tinkering with anything that had an engine. His 1967 Ford Fairlane and his Dodge truck were some of his greatest treasures. He enjoyed working on the farm, growing sweet potatoes, watermelons and hay. David enjoyed all of God’s creations, especially flowers, astronomy, beautiful places and animals.

His greatest joy was time spent with his family traveling. David started camping with his young family and later became an avid RV-er with his wife, Bobbie. Family camping trips would include canoeing, hiking, rafting and searching out covered bridges and other landmarks. David appreciated the beauty in life and captured many special places and moments on film during family vacations to 49 of our 50 states. These memories are indelible and held dear by his family: memories of a man who loved the Lord, his family, music, and all the wonders of nature.

David is preceded in death by parents Sam and Jeffie Ballard; wife, Rosaline King Ballard; son, Daniel “Danny” Ballard; sister, Nancy Ballard Mayne.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Bobbie Rains Ballard; daughters, Betty Ballard Harbour and husband, Eddie, Peggy Parker; stepchildren, Benny McFarland, Tommy McFarland and wife, Carol, Janice Chandler and husband, Fred; 10 (+1 deceased) grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; 8 great great grandchildren.