Billy Ballard

Billy Charles "Bill" Ballard, Sr. 79, of Gastonia, passed away March 4, 2013 at home. He was born April 25, 1933 in Mecklenburg County, to the late Charlie and Snow Bryson Ballard.

Bill was an avid sportsman, loving to fish, hunt, bowl and play softball. During the 60's and 70's he played on major softball teams such as, Klutz Machine Shop, Aker's Motor Lines, Groves Threads, Champion Landscaping and B. R. Smith. He was the MVP of the first Dixie Classic Softball Tournament sponsored by Pharr Yarns. The family wishes a special thank you to his caregivers, Lashay and Ty Burchfield for all their help.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Pansy Elizabeth Black Ballard; son, Kenneth Lee Ballard, Sr.; brother, Junior Bryson; sisters, Louise Martin, Coy Bridges

He is survived by his sons, Billy "Chuck" Ballard, Jr. and wife Danna of Bessemer City, Douglas Ballard of Lakeland, Fl., Tony Ballard of Bessemer City; brother, Donald Ballard and wife Nellie of Wilmington; sister, Mary Ballard of Gastonia, 6 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren

His funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Thursday at Salem Baptist Church, Gastonia with Rev. Junior Morris officiating.

Interment will follow at Westview Gardens, Bessemer City.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-800 pm Wednesday at Sisk-Butler Funeral & Cremation Services, Bessemer City.

Memorials may be made to Gaston Hospice, PO Box 3984, Gastonia, NC, 28054.