Ray Ballard, 87, of Beaumont, died Tuesday, February 8, 2011, at Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas, Beaumont. A native of Waxahachie, he was born on June 26, 1923 to Ruby Sandeford and Samuel Cecil Ballard.
Mr. Ballard was a United States Army veteran having served in World War II. Afterwards he spent a lifetime working in the lumber business. Besides his family, the most important part of his life was his church, where he was a member of Grace and Truth Tabernacle in Beaumont.
Survivors include his sons, John Ballard and his wife Sherry of Beaumont and Danny Ballard and his wife Vicky of Waxahachie; grandchildren, Kimberley Johnston and her husband Jimmy of Buna, Kristi Gonzales and her husband Michael of Beaumont, Teri Anderson and her husband Scott of Waco, Jennifer Young and her husband Casey of Ennis; fifteen great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; brother, Layne Ballard and his wife Melissa; and sister, Linda Pogue and her husband Dwight all of Waxahachie.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Paula Jean McDonald.
His funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Friday, February 11, 2011, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Graveside service will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 12, 2011, at Sardis Cemetery, Waxahachie. A gathering of his family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 10, 2011 at Broussard’s.
Memorial contributions may be made to the organization of one’s choice.
