Larry Eugene Ballard, Sr.

Mr. Larry Eugene Ballard, Sr., 57, of 1325 Highway 153, China Grove, a devoted father and loving husband, who will be missed by his family and friends, died Wednesday, November 12, 2003, at NorthEast Medical Center, following three years of declining health and three weeks of serious illness. Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 15, 2003, at Lady's Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Curtis Parker and the Rev. Ralph Robinette will officiate. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. At other times they will be at the residence. Born June 22, 1946, in Cabarrus County, he was a son of the late Lewis C. Ballard and Pauline Wheless Ballard. Mr. Ballard retired from Mt. Pleasant Middle School in January 2000. He had worked in education for 28 years as a teacher, coach and athletic director. He was formerly employed at Stonewall Jackson School in Concord and Cherryville High School. He also coached men's slow-pitch softball. In 1992 he coached his team, Ritchie's Superior, to the Grand Slam USSSA World Championship, which consisted of winning all four of the championships of the ISA, ASA, NSA and USSSA. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert and Ronnie Ballard. Survivors include his wife, Doris Teague Ballard; a son, Larry Eugene Ballard, Jr. of the home; a sister, Linda Jacobs of Leland, NC; and a brother, Paul Ballard of Charlotte. Memorials may be sent to The Gideons International, PO Box 52, Kannapolis, NC 28082.