Billy Ballard

Bill was born June 7, 1930, in Carnegie, OK to the late William Lawrence Ballard and Toni Stewart Ballard. He was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Mary Ann Whitecotton Ballard; his wife Juanita Cook Ballard; and his wife Dorcas Holicer Ballard. He is survived by his brother, Yarb Ballard (Ruth Ann); daughter, Cyndy Ballard Styles; son, Tony Ballard; grandsons, Cliff LeFlore (Kristen) and Joseph-Dean “JD” Styles; great-grandchildren, Landry and Lad LeFlore; and long-time friends, Bill and Sandy Sanders.

Bill’s family moved to Ozark, AR where Bill would grow up working with his father as a blacksmith. While in the 10th grade, Bill attended his first basketball game where he fell in love with the sport. He had a natural talent on the court, and ultimately became the basketball coach at his alma mater, The University of the Ozarks (1957-60), and the first basketball coach at University of Arkansas at Little Rock (1960-65) where he was inducted into the UALR Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019.

When Bill was 20 years old, he became an active-duty member of the United States Army (1950-1954) and fought in the Korean War. Later, Bill served in the Arkansas National Guard for 18 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1973.

In addition to basketball, Bill had a love for higher education and inspired others to further their studies. His own education began when he attended The University of the Ozarks graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 1956. He then went to the University of Arkansas, receiving a Master's in Education. Bill then became Principal of Central Junior High and retired in 1990.

Even though Bill had retired from the military, coaching, and education administration; he was ready to take on his next task. Bill was approached by the Arkansas Education Service Cooperative to train educators on the latest testing software in Arkansas and 11 other states. Then, his team developed an office to conduct statewide testing of home-schooled students grades 3-9.

At the age of 85, Bill retired for the final time, but as many would guess, this didn’t slow him down. He was an avid traveler, always looking for his next adventure. Bill also founded multiple scholarships for students at U of O and UALR which has helped many students fulfill their goals.

In the last months of Bill’s life, he lived at Providence Assisted Living in Clarksville, AR where he and his family were cared for with such love, kindness, and respect. Bill’s family would like to thank the men and women of Providence for going above and beyond for Bill.

A memorial service will be held at 10am on Friday, March 15, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church in Benton, AR where Bill was an active member.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to M.A.C Industries, a day facility that provides services for special needs adults including Bill’s son Tony. (Address: 400 Oak Ct. Clarksville, AR 72830)