Bradford Roe Ballenger

He was born in Sewellton, Kentucky on February 10, 1940. Brad graduated from Russell County High School. He graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a Bachelor’s degree in P.E. and Art Education. He went back to EKU and earned a Master’s degree in counseling. Brad taught art at Bayshore Middle School and W.D. Sugg Middle School. He enjoyed coaching basketball at the Palmetto Youth Center, Southeast High School, and Palmetto Boys Club. He was the JV basketball coach at Palmetto High School and the assistant varsity basketball coach from 1978-2005.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Reather and Lela Jane (Grider) Ballenger; wife Nellie Joyce (Akers) Ballenger; son Brent Derek Ballenger; two sisters, Becky (Ballenger) Spears; Billy Jo (Ballenger) Hadley; two brothers Boyd Wayne Ballenger and Bruce Allen Ballenger.

He is survived by three sisters, Bernice (Ballenger) Brown, Brenda (Ballenger) Stephenson, and Bonnie (Ballenger) Lake; two brothers Ben David Ballenger, Barry Lloyd Ballenger; a daughter and son-in-law Teresa and Keith Maxwell; a daughter and son-in-law Tamara and Jeremy Nicholas; and a son and daughter-in-law Byron and Gayle Ballenger. Brad has 8 grandchildren, Maranda Stephens, Trinity Knoblock, Brady Ballenger, Kai Ballenger, Emry Ballenger, Devon Nicholas, Jocelyn Nicholas, and Brianna Nicholas. He also has 2 great granddaughters, Luvina Jane Stephens and Mae-lana Jane Stephens.

Brad was well-loved in the community and a wonderful father and Pa-paw. He was a friend to everyone and he never met a stranger. He always had a story or a funny joke to share. He loved his grandchildren and had a special relationship with each one of them. Brad loved the Lord and he loved telling others about Him! He will be missed by all.