Jack Virgil Ballard Jr
Jack Virgil Ballard Jr. (Willie), 73, was called home to heaven Nov. 10, 2022, after a short, but valiant battle with cancer.
Jack was a faithful servant of Christ and a “larger than life” character who never met a stranger. Known as Brother Jack in Mexia, where he lived for 22 years. Jack was known as “Willie” in his beloved birth home of Birmingham, Ala. He was born on Feb. 16, 1949.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack Virgil Ballard Sr. and Jean Lind Ballard, both of Birmingham, Ala. Jack is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Patricia Ann Ballard. He is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Jodi Lind Smith of Mexia; his son, Joshua Ballard of Fort Worth; his four grandchildren, Taylor Commander, Mackenzie Commander, Lydia Ballard and Jackson Smith; and one great-grandson, Kassius Chaney.
Jack was the oldest son to his parents and leaves behind his two younger siblings, Charles Ballard and Jayne Ballard McDaniel of Birmingham. He is also survived by a son in-law, Dustin Smith; daughter inlaw, Wendi Ballard; brother in-law, William McDaniel; nieces, nephews and many close friends.
Jack Ballard was a graduate of the University of Alabama and Southwestern Theological Seminary where he received his Master’s. In 1983, he and Pat moved to Texas and he became a Baptist minister. First serving as youth pastor at the First Baptist Hearne; youth and recreation minister at Highlands Baptist in Huntsville Ala.; recreation minister at the First Baptist Corsicana; and finally at First Baptist Church of Mexia.
He served FBC Mexia for 18 years as minister of recreation and senior adults and was instrumental in the building of the Christian Life Center there. Jack’s love for the Lord and ministering to people began a career of serving the community through Christian recreational programs such as Small Fry Soccer and basketball leagues, Super Summer Clubs, adult sports leagues, fitness classes, senior adult trips, mission trips, youth and children’s camps and many more.
A “Roll Tide” celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. Nov. 20 at First Baptist Church Mexia. Honorary pallbearers will be Paul Yeldell, Walter Van DeWeghe, Charlie Ballard, Dustin Smith, Joshua Ballard and Will McDaniel.
In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to the Limestone Cancer Support Group, PO Box 107, Mexia Tx 76667.
Please visit www.blairstubbs. com to leave the family a message of condolence or sign the guestbook.
