Mr. Tony Joe Ballard, age 88, of Mena, Arkansas, walked through Heaven’s gate on Tuesday, April 29, 2024, in Mena, Arkansas. He was born December 8, 1935, in Fisk, Texas, to Purvie Andrew Ballard and Della May Kanaday Ballard.
Tony was a quiet, gentle soul who was kind to everyone he met. He and Meda were married for 62 years, and he so loved and cherished their only child, a son, Barry Wayne Ballard.
Tony did not care at all for hunting, fishing or playing sports. He did love to ride his “Gator” around on the mountain with his and Meda’s little dog, Trinket, riding with him. He loved the computer and spent untold hours at the keyboard. He was a huge Dallas Cowboy and Texas Ranger fan.
Tony graduated from McKinney High School in 1955. After which, he served out country in the U.S. Army, Military Police, rank E5 and was honorably discharged in 1964.
Tony retired in 1979 after 31.4 years’ service with General Motors Assembly Plant in Arlington, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Purvie Andrew Ballard and Della May Kanaday Ballard; sisters, Letris Inez Dobbins, Lois Freda Axum, Ina Joyce Calloway, Dorothy Janelle Lovelace, and by his infant brother, Royce Ballard.
Tony is survived by his son, Barry, of Mansfield, Texas, and wife Meda of Mena, Arkansas; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and precious friends.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Monday, May 6, 2024, at the First Freewill Baptist Church in Mena, Arkansas. Brother Donnie Jewell will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Cremation services are entrusted to Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.
Online obituary at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com
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