Raymond Ballard

Raymond Ballard Sr. passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and love for his family.

He served in the United States Army and later in the National Guard. After his military service, he worked for General Motors for many years before retiring.

Raymond was a Christian who loved the Lord and lived out his faith through service to others. He was a faithful member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, where he also taught Sunday School. He enjoyed spending time in his workshop building birdhouses and fixing things around the house.

He was known for his calm nature and gentle spirit. It took a lot to make him angry, and he was rarely upset. He was loving, caring, and a peacemaker. He loved his family deeply, especially his grandchildren, and was a strong role model in their lives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis Ballard and Constance Yelsik and her husband, Arnold, and by his sister, Joanne Camp.

He is survived by his wife of almost 56 years, Martha Ballard; his daughter and son-in-law, Melissa and Kevin Botta Sr.; his daughter, Rebecca Ballard; his son and daughter-in-law, Raymond Ballard Jr. and Ashley McComb; his grandchildren, Kevin Botta Jr., Jessica Botta, Raynia Ballard, Rayshad Ballard, and Kevin Jr. (Sarah Meyner); his siblings, Jim (Gale) Finn, Bonnie (Chuck) Kebler, Donna (Emerson) Stockwell, John (Jenny) Ballard, and Pat (Merv) Cotes; his brother-in-law, Randy Camp; his sister-in-law, Shirley Ruth (Jack) Baggett; and many nieces, nephews, friends, and members of his church family.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Sunday at 5:00 p.m. at Bethlehem Baptist Church, with Pastor Lon Ostrzycki and Pastor Phillip Eady officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Hazel Green Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.