Ralph Melvin Ballard

Ralph Melvin Ballard, 81, of Fieldale, died Friday, April 12, 2013 at Memorial Hospital in Martinsville. He was born in Collinsville, Virginia, August 23, 1931 to Charles Henry Ballard and Mary Dietz Ballard. He served in the Army during the Korean Conflict where he received the Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars. Mr. Ballard retired from Fieldcrest Mills after 46 years of service. He was of the Christian faith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Inez Caudle Ballard; one daughter, Nancy Ballard Alley; one son, Jackie Warren Ballard; sisters, Gertude Ballard Hopkins, Alma Ballard Shartzer, Violet Ballard Scott, Myrtle Ballard Shumate, Eva Ballard Reynolds and a brother, Dewey Ballard. He is survived by a sister, Ruth Foley of Martinsville; two brothers, Henry Ballard of Fieldale and Wayne Ballard of Arizona one grandson, Bobby Ballard and wife, Carey of Martinsville; three great-grandsons, Anthony, Alex and Aaron Ballard A graveside service will be held Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at 2:00 PM at Roselawn Burial Park in Martinsville with the Rev. David Towler officiating. The family will receive friends Monday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home in Bassett. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Southern Area Agency on Aging, 204 Cleveland Avenue, Martinsville, VA 24112.