Willard Eugene Ballard

Willard Eugene Ballard, 79, of Reno, passed away Thursday, December 22, 2016, at Paris Regional Medical Center. Services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28th, at Bright-Holland Funeral Home with burial following in Evergreen Cemetery. Military honors will be rendered by the U. S. Army. The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Mr. Ballard, the son of Orvel Otto & Rosie Bee Morton Ballard, was born May 9, 1937, in Petty, Texas. He served in the U. S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Willard was a 1st Class Gunnery Sergeant and sharpshooter expert. He was a longtime carpenter having built many homes, apartments and business throughout the state of Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Orvel Neal Ballard. Survivors include his wife, Veronica, whom he married on Dec. 10, 1989, building 27 years of family and memories, children; Kay Kendrick, Ron Ballard (Bahia), John Ballard (Tammy), Marshall Ballard, Lana Bethel, Dennis Beyer (Stephanie), Theresa Groome, Jason Beyer, Amy Kathryn Branham, Jason Branham (Jeanean), Jimmie Branham (Keith), numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, siblings; Wanda Montgomery (Jim), Cecil Ballard, Hershel Ballard (Margaret), Dwayne Ballard (Kathy Jean), Larry Ballard (Kathy), along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, his faithful companions, Licky Dog. Romeo & Pookie, and a plethora of friends, employees and co-workers. Casket bearers will be Dolan Ballard, Greg Ballard, Allen Ballard, Brad Ballard, Cecil Ballard, Jr. and Bobby Lee Ballard.