William F. "Bill" Ballard

June 15, 2012

William F. Ballard, 78, of Fayetteville, died Friday at St. Joseph's Hospital. A native of the Syracuse area's Strathmore section, Mr. Ballard lived his entire life in and around the city.

Bill, as he was known to most, was a U.S. Army veteran, serving as part of a team that intercepted and decoded enemy intelligence in Germany during the Korean War. He was a graduate of Syracuse University's School of Engineering.

Following in the footsteps of his father and great-uncle, he formed and developed his own construction company in Syracuse in the late 1960s. Ballard Construction, Inc., contributed countless hours to its community, building roads, bridges and eventually athletic fields throughout central and upstate New York. The company was responsible for significant portions of work around the campus and athletic facilities at his own alma mater, Syracuse University.

Mr. Ballard was a founding partner of Crushed Products, Inc., and helped to found, and later served as chapter president for Central New York Chapter of Associated Builders & Contractors. He volunteered as a board member and coach for more than a decade with the Manlius Little League.

He took great pride in caring and tending to his backyard vegetable gardens, but his true passion was in fishing, much of which he did in the waters around Wolfe Island, Ontario.

Mr. Ballard was predeceased by his parents, Frederick A. and Helen D. Ballard, and by his brother, Edward J. Ballard.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 48 years, Susan Farnsworth Ballard; his three sons, Frederick (Tamera), William (Rebecca) and Edward (Heather); and seven grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 4 p.m. Wednesday at Dewitt Community Church, 3600 Erie Blvd. E. Burial will be in the Dewitt Cemetery.

Friends may call 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday in the parlor of Dewitt Community Church.

Contributions may be made to St. Joseph's Hospital, 301 Prospect Ave., Syracuse, NY. Fairchild & Meech DeWitt Chapel in charge of arrangements.