James Mark “Papa Smurf” Ballard was born January 25, 1954 at Mac Dill Air Force Base. He was the son of Jim and Evelyn Ballard. Mark passed peacefully in his sleep, at home in Land O’ Lakes, the morning of October 11, 2017. Mark worked for GTE/Verizon for 30+ years as a telephone repair man. He married Rhonda Marie Smith, his wife of 40 years, in 1977. Mark will be remembered for many things including his love for his family. He leaves behind his wife Rhonda, sister Darrie Gail Ballard of Cripple Creek Colorado, his children Jason Ballard of Lutz and Angela Ballard of Tampa, and his grandkids Damon Jr., Preston & Ava. A visitation will be held on Sunday Oct. 22, 2017 in the Blount & Curry Funeral Home- Carrollwood Chapel, 3207 W Bearss Ave Tampa, FL 33618 from 12-1:30 pm followed by a service. Interment will be at Garden of Memories Cemetery after the service. A gathering, after the burial, will be held at the Free & Accepted Masons 5011 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33603. Please contact son Jason Ballard with questions. "The old man… is down the road” John Fogerty.
