Tom Ballard

Tom was born in Asheville, North Carolina on November 3, 1946. He was the fourth child of Ola Letterman Ballard and Perry Albert Ballard.

Tom graduated from Marietta High School and was hired by Southern Bell as a lineman. He was drafted in 1966 and served in the Army as a Combat Medic in Vietnam. After finishing his service he returned to Southern Bell. He earned his Associate in Business Administration Degree at Kennesaw Junior College. He moved to the Engineering area at Bell South until he retired in May 2008 with 41 years.

Tom & Debbie (Deb as he called her) were married on September 20, 1980. Their honeymoon was spent in Hawaii on the island of Oahu. Debbie worked for Delta Airlines and they traveled all over the US as well as several European countries, Canada, Bermuda, Mexico, and the Caribbean. They enjoyed cruises as a couple as well as with family and friends. Tom enjoyed snow skiing and was a member of the Delta Ski Club. He played golf for many years until he devoted his time to Senior Softball playing on two teams at Hobgood Park and two teams in Smyrna. His highlight of softball was playing on a traveling team who played in many states. It was a family affair since Debbie and Max (their dachshund) accompanied him. Tom and Debbie made lifelong friends with the softball players and Debbie was a proud member of the Softball Wives Club.

Tom was currently a member of First Baptist Church of Woodstock after downsizing to the Cottages of Woodstock. He was a Deacon at Sewell Mill Baptist in Marietta under the pastorship of David Watson. Tom & family attended Sewell Mill/Antioch Baptist for 37 years and made many friends.

Tom and Debbie had one son, Jeremy, who was very athletic like his Dad. Jeremy graduated from Georgia Tech in 2005 and was always there for his Dad and Mom.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Ola Ballard; sister, Clara Fay Ballard Osborne, brothers, Perry Ballard and Joe Ballard. He is survived by his wife, Deborah Denson Ballard; their son, Jeremy Ballard as well as sons, Matthew Ballard and Jeff Ballard; two granddaughters, Annabell and Olivia as well as many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me of that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

A memorial service for Tom will be held Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 11:00am at Woodstock Funeral Home, 8855 Main Street, Woodstock, Georgia. A reception will follow. A committal will occur Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 3:00pm at Georgia National Cemetery, 1080 Scott Hudgens Dr, Canton, GA 30114.