MARIANNA — George Lewis Ballard,
92, of Marianna, Ark., passed away Thursday, March 4, 2021. He was born Tuesday, June 26, 1928, to John Ballard and Neva Ballard in Cabool, Mo.
He is survived by his daughter, Ouida Ballard Storey (Shorty), of Marianna, Ark.; grandchildren, Kerri Storey Spears (Kevin) of Jonesboro, Ark., Michael Latting Storey (Amie), of Austin, Ark.; and five great-grandchildren: Gracie Spears, Walker Spears, Savannah Storey, Brayden Storey, Gavin Storey; and one brother, Charles (Buddy) Ballard of Holub Crossing, Ark.; and multiple nieces, nephews, who loved ‘Uncle George’. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife of sixty-one years, Martha Juanita Latting Ballard; and three sisters: Vada Minick, Thelma Jones, and Margie Cox. Mr. Ballard was a long time Lee County resident. He was a retired Lee County farmer, but remained a very active gardener until the past year. He loved hunting and fishing. He was a retired veteran of the Korean War from January 1951-1952. He was ranked a Corporal in the United States Army were he served with the Regimental Combat Team attached to the 24th Division. He was a man that was never at a loss for words or a good joke.
Pallbearers will be Ronnie Hall, Darrell Gore, Bob Bolden, Barry Jones, Jimmy Faulkner, and Tommy Whitehead. Honorary Pallbearers will be Buddy Whitehead, Buddy Ballard, Tommy Triplett and James Kitchens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials can be made to Hospice Promise Foundation, C/O Patient’s Choice Hospice, 4200 North Washington St., Forrest City, Ark, 72335, Purpose Fund for Elite Home Health, checks to be made out to LHC Group Employee Hardship Relief Fund, Purpose Fund, 901 Hugh Wallis Road S., Lafayette, La., 70508, Woodruff County Nursing Home, 139 West Highway 64, McCrory, Ark., 72101. Graveside services for Mr. Ballard will be held Monday, March 8, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Marianna Memorial Park in Marianna, Ark. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home in Marianna, Ark. Family and friends may view and sign online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ Marianna. Roller-Citizens Funeral Home is observing guidelines regarding COVID-19. We ask that all attendees please observe social distancing. When indoors or when social distancing cannot be observed, please wear a mask.