Michael Ballare

Michael was born on February 16, 1948, to the late Peter Ballare and Ruth Robert-Sheffield in Pineville, Louisiana. He was raised between Kinder, Louisiana, and Houston, Texas, along with his younger brothers, Elroy Lovejoy, Sr., Van Sheffield, Jr., and his sister Gloria Sheffield-Hubbard.

At an early age, Michael learned the value of hard work as well as the importance of family and community. He started working as a shoeshine boy at the age of six and understood to never allow his present circumstances to dictate his future. Michael vowed to achieve more for himself and made a promise to his guardian, Mama Carrie, that he will graduate from high school, and go to college.

Michael went on to attend schools in Kinder, Louisiana, and Houston, Texas and graduated from Wheatly High School in 1967. Knowing that he did not have financial means to attend college, Michael enlisted in the Navy shortly after graduation in 1967 and served for two years before transferring to the Naval Reserves as a Petty Officer Third Class. As a member of the military service, Michael was awarded the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal. He also received a military commendation for his role in the recovery mission of Apollo IX and X.

Upon receiving his honorable discharge, the United States Navy paid for him to attend Texas Southern University, and he graduated in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology. From there, Michael enjoyed a successful career as a manufacturing engineer at top-tier companies. He worked at Cameron Iron Works as a machinist and after graduation received a promotion to Senior Industrial Engineer where he worked until 1982. Since then, Michael worked as a subcontractor for General Dynamics as a tool manufacturing planner; L.T.V. Aerospace as a Manufacturing Engineer; McDonnell Douglas Astronautics as an Industrial Engineer; Universal Oil Field Services as Manufacturing Engineer Manager; Keystone Valve U.S.A. as a Manufacturing Engineer Senior; The Municipal Valve Shop as a Manufacturing Engineer, Safety and Training Engineer, and Facilities Planning Engineer. He also worked as a Manufacturing Engineer at Exceltec International Corporation, Boeing Aircraft, Northrop Grumman Aerospace, Gulf Stream Aerospace Corporation, Vought Aerospace, and L3 Integrated Systems.

Ever the thinker and planner, Michael saw an opportunity to further capitalize on his skillset with the creation of his own engineering contracting company, Ballare Technical Services. This gave him the opportunity to contract his own services as an engineer. In addition, Michael held a membership with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Chapter #29, and served as Junior Achievement Advisor.

Outside of his professional life, Michael was an active leader in his community. He served as the vice president of the Fort Bend Houston Super Neighborhoods Council 41. Along with his loving wife, Avis, he helped developed and organized scholarships for graduating seniors and made sure community air monitors were installed for the community to collect data on what they were breathing.

Michael had a deep passion for ancestry and enjoyed researching his family history and that of his wife Avis. He also had many artistic talents, including singing, dancing, and painting, which he passed on to his children and grandchildren. In fact, he was the lead singer in a local singing group called the Dynamics. His melodious voice was enjoyed by all who knew him, and he was also known for his speed on the track, earning him the nickname "Blast."

The Ballare family are long term members of Riceville Mt. Olive Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Joe D. Johnson and Pastor Terry E. Mackey. As a dedicated member, he enjoyed receiving spiritual nourishment from the ministers of Riceville.

Michael's presence illuminated every room he entered, and his warm smile brought comfort to al who knew him. He had a welcoming spirit and was known for his "down to earth" personality and never not meeting a friend. He was always full of laughter, and there was never a dull conversation - ever!

Michael is survived by his beautiful wife of 47 years, Avis Ballare; their children, son Michael B. Ballare and daughter Adrienne Glover (Rodney); daughter Sadaria Boss; his grandchildren, Gerald Thompson, Avis Glover, Rodney Glover, Jr., and Vivian Glover; his brother Elroy Lovejoy, Jr.; his sister Gloria Sheffield-Hubbard; his God children, Cory Harmon and Courtney Caesar (Joe); and a host of relatives and friends who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his father Peter Ballare; his mother, Ruth Robert-Sheffield; brother Van Sheffield, Jr.; nephew LeAndress Hubbard, Jr.; and nephew Elroy Lovejoy, Jr.

Michael is truly loved by all who knew him. He will be remembered for his kind heart, his infectious laugh, and his unwavering commitment to his family and community. His presence will surely be missed, but we know that he is resting in peace.

A visitation for Michael will be held Wednesday, August 16, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Riceville Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 11539 S Gessner Rd, Houston, TX 77071. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, August 16, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 11539 S Gessner Rd, Houston, TX 77071. A committal service will occur Wednesday, August 16, 2023 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AmericanHeritageFuneralHome.com for the Ballare family.