Thomas Ballard

He was born July 29, 1947, in Fayetteville, NC, to the late Samuel R. Ballard, Sr. and Josephine Lowery Ballard.

Thomas operated the family business for nearly 20 years, then spent 20 years as director of the Small Business Center at Richmond Community College in Hamlet, NC. He retired to Wilmington, NC in 2011, enjoying golf with his buddies, fishing, and social activities with his wife, Sandra, his neighbors and his neighborhood. Thomas was also a Master Mason for over 50 years with Hamlet Lodge No. 532.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sandra; one son, Gary of Laurinburg, NC; one daughter, Tara of Wilmington, NC; one grandson, Andrew (Eileen) of Austin, TX; one great-grandson, Luca of Austin, TX; two brothers, Samuel R. Ballard, Jr. (Ann) of Hamlet, NC and Bish Ballard (Kay) of Conover, NC; one sister, Diane Stone (Richard) of Shallotte, NC and two brothers-in-law, Michael Bolch (Dana) of Longs, SC and Steve Bolick (Judy) of Framingham, MA.

A memorial service will be held at 11am, Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel, 4108 S. College Rd., Wilmington, NC 28412.

A reception will be held at Motts Village Clubhouse, 5950 White Heron Rd., Wilmington, following the service.

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