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Submitted: 12/13/17 • Approved: 12/14/17 • Last Updated: 12/17/17 • R1205133-G0-S3
Feb 9, 1937 - Mar 4, 2017
Thomas James Ballard, 80, of Pine Bluff, Passed Away Saturday, March 4, 2017, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center.
He was Born February 9, 1937 at Hartman, Arkansas to the Late Marshall Calvin Ballard and Georgia Melissa Nowlin Ballard.
Tommy was a 1956 Graduate of Dermott High School, Attended Ouachita Baptist University and University of Arkansas at Monticello where he received his Degree in Education.
Tommy began Teaching School in Dumas, Wells Bayou and Selma, Arkansas.
After that, he Moved on to Wilmar, Arkansas, where he Coached Senior and Junior High Boys and Girls’ Basketball for Ten Years.
Finally, he worked as a History Teacher at Watson Chapel High School, as well as Coaching Girls’ Basketball and Track Teams for most of his career.
Mr. Ballard was a Member of Watson Chapel Baptist Church for 40 Years.
Tommy held Many Things Dear to his Heart.
At the top of his list were, Honoring God, being a Good Provider, and Protector of his Family.
In Addition to his Own Family, he made Lasting Impressions on Many People.
He took Pride in Teaching Life Sessons, such as: If You Start It, Finish It, the Importance of Following Rules, and Endurance, Also Being a Positive Influence to Those Around Him or Handing Up to Those in Need.
Tommy Enjoyed Painting Houses, Taking Trips with Friends, Attending Bible Study Fellowship, and St. Louis Cardinals Baseball.
He also Enjoyed Playing Games with his Family, such as Dominoes, Pinochle, and Chess, Never Just Letting Anyone Win.
A Win had to be Earned on your Own Merit.
In addition to his Parents, Tommy was Preceded in Death by his Grandson; Pruitt Wright.
He is Survived by his Loving Wife of 53 Years, Carolyn Mahurin Ballard; Children, Monie Johnson and Husband, Darryl, of Little Rock; Clarence Ballard and Wife, Gina, of Bermuda; and Sarah Leopard and Husband, Jeremy, of Rison; Grandchildren, Joshua Wright; Paul Wright; Kristen Devers and Husband, Matt; Cameron Ballard; Hunter Hall; Sydney Leopard and Blakely Leopard; Sisters, Marcella Stewart and Phyllis Jenkins, Both of Springville, Alabama; Brother, Hoyt Dean Ballard of Houston, Texas; Three Nephews; Five Nieces; and a Gym Full of “Adopted” Kids and Friends.
Visitation will be 12:30 P.M. to 2:00 P.M., at Watson Chapel Baptist Church on Tuesday, March 7.
Memorial Service will be 2:00 P.M. at the Church.
Private Family Burial will take place at Walnut Lake Cemetery Tuesday Morning.
Contributed on 12/13/17 by hawkinsdonna48
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Record #: 1205133