Billy Bob was born on February 20, 1935 in Gashland, Missouri and graduated from North Kansas City High School.
He is survived by his daughters Cindy Gordon and Jill Lawler; sons Tommy, Jamie, Billy and Andrew Ballard, as well as ten granddaughters, one grandson, one great grandson and two step-daughters. He was preceded in death by his daughter Elizabeth Ballard, his parents Robert and Irene Ballard, and his three brothers David, Joe and John Ballard.
Billy Bob served two years in the army, drove semi-trucks over the road, and worked in the excavation business for Damon Pursell, prior to starting his own company. Damon was a mentor to him and was instrumental in Billy Bob’s drive to start his own business. He started his own excavation company in 1972, serving the Kansas City area for many years and providing work opportunities for several family members. His legacy lives on in his son Billy’s excavation company, soon to total 50 years in business for Ballard Excavating.
Billy Bob loved his food. Each day revolved around the next meal and who would join him for it. His routine included cornerstone restaurants in the area including Corner Café and Cascones. In his recent ventures, these meals were followed by a trip to his son’s property to feed the barn cat. He also loved participating in an antique tractor club, showing off his 1930s Caterpillar crawlers.
Although he is no longer here with us, his spirit will live on through all of the memories we have of him. He was definitely one of a kind. We have many, many stories involving Billy Bob and will laugh about them for years. He was an independent, big hearted, Christian man who was proud of his children and his hard work establishing his business.
A visitation at 1pm and service at 2pm will be held at Barry Christian Church, located at 1500 NW Barry Road, Kansas City, MO 64155, for friends and family on Monday, January 3, 2022. A celebration of life will follow at Humphreys in Smithville, MO.
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