Robert Don "Bobby" Ballard Sr.

Robert Don Ballard, Sr. - died on Tuesday, August 11, 2010, following a long and valiant battle with heart disease. His passing will be mourned by his wife, family, and friends. Born in Prichard, AL on February 5, 1939, he was a long-time resident of north Mobile County. He was the son of the late Thomas Joseph Ballard and Annie Lindsay Ballard. Bobby served in the Alabama Army National Guard, 31st Dixie Division Band after graduating in 1955 from Vigor High School. He was employed at International Paper Company for 44 years. He was proud of his membership in the Howard Blackwell Masonic Lodge, where he held the rank of Master Mason and also held the rank of Warder in the Order of the Eastern Star. He was a member of Axis Baptist Church. Bobby was married to Helen Juanita Ballard since 1983. He was the proud and loving father of four children, although his daughter, Tammy Kay Ballard Wilson, preceded him in death. In addition to his wife, survivors include his sons, Robert Don Ballard, Jr., David Christopher Ballard, and Brian Mathew Ballard; the mother of his children, Ellen Ramona Ballard; his stepchildren Mary Doerr and Laura Everette; grandchildren; Tamara Maree Ballard, Shane O'Neal Wilson, and Terry Jack Morris; and great-grandchildren, Jaiden Ray Ballard, Landon Bryant Morris, and Caydence Rose Morris. Bobby was a member of a large family. He was preceded in death by his brother, Billy Gene Ballard. He is survived by his siblings, Rex Ballard, Shirley Moore, JoAnn Blackmon, Joyce Dyess, Linda Poole, and Vicki Ward. His brothers and sisters, their spouses, and Bobby's numerous nieces and nephews will all remember Bobby with great love and appreciation for his devotion to family. He will be missed by his relatives, friends, and community. He was quick to smile. He loved his own family and that of his wife. He was a patriot, a gentleman, and a huge fan of Alabama football. But above all, he fought his long and difficult battle with heart disease with courage, strength, and uncommon grace. It has been an honor to bear witness to his struggle. Funeral services will be held from the chapel of Radney Funeral Home in Saraland on Saturday, August 14, 2010, at 10 a.m. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, August 13, from 5-8 p.m. Interment with Masonic Rites will be in Mobile Memorial Gardens. Serving as pallbearers will be Bobby's nephews, Lance Blackmon, Greg Poole, and DeWayne Ballard, as well as his great-nephews by marriage, Carlos Soto, Jonathan Terry, and Massey Barbour. Condolences may be offered at www.radney funeralhome-saraland.com. Arrangements by Radney Funeral Home, 1200 Industrial Pkwy., Saraland, Alabama 36571