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Gerald Ballard Obituary
Mr. Ballard was born to the late Arthur M. Ballard and Eleanor V. Ballard in Fredericksburg, VA on September 30, 1939. He was preceded in death by his former wife, Frances Louise Skillman. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force (1959-1964). He was the owner and President of Ballard Truck and Tire Company in Augusta, GA since 1968. He was the President of the South Carolina Breakfast Club since 1979. He was awarded the 1998 Aviator of the Year at the Boshears Memorial Fly In. His proudest and most honorable accomplishment was when he was inducted into the South Carolina Aviation Hall of Fame in 2004.
He is survived by his daughters Janet Ballard Frazier (Russell) and Rebecca Ballard Wyles. And Michael Ballard. He is survived by four Grandsons; Derek Touchstone, Dalton James, Alex Wyles and Noah Wyles. Additionally, he is survived by three sisters; Marita K. Broussard of Columbia, SC, Sally B. Hill (Ken) of Indian Harbor Beach, FL, and S. Kay Taraschi (Peter) of Indiatlantic, FL and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on December 10, 2017 at Platts Funeral Home, Belair Road Chapel, Evans, GA from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, December 11, 2017 at Platts Funeral Home, Belair Road Chapel, Evans, GA with the Reverand Ben Bartlett officiating. Burial will follow at Westover Memorial Park.
The pallbearers are Derek Touchstone, Dalton James, Alex Wyles, Noah Wyles, Kerry Hale, and Ernest Tukes. Honorary pallbearers are All Members of the S.C. Breakfast Club.
If so desired, memorial donations may be made to Vaucluse First Baptist Church, 2 Church St, Vaucluse, SC 29850.
Please sign the guestbook and send condolences at www.plattsfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Ballard
Joe Riddle
January 14, 2018
Boy o boy do I have a heavy heart. Just found out about this .... I met Mike in the 70's when I worked for Tony at Speedway Auto parts. I loved this man ... it was so cool. I hung out with him at the Air Plane show at Danial Fields not long ago .... boy , we lost a good one, but God gained another great man. FLY HIGH Mr. BALLARD ... U sure will be missed.
Sherry Loyer
December 13, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
tom murphy
December 11, 2017
loved him did much for him, made me honorary lifetime b club member bout 6 years ago
Walden
December 11, 2017
Tunnie Walden and Gerald Ballard...flying together again. God speed.
Brian Christiano
December 11, 2017
I met Gerald, like many SC pilots, through the SCBC. I admired his dedication to the aviation community, the SCBC, and his work with the USMC and Toys for Tots. He will be missed. Now he is God's copilot. RIP
Terry Carson
December 11, 2017
He was a dear and colorful man.
Roger McCoig
December 11, 2017
My condolences to the family.
I always admired Gerald's ability to see opportunity where others saw obstacles. His gregarious personality and Can Do spirit allowed him to accomplish things most of us will only dream about.
Debra Kelly
December 11, 2017
I am so sorry to hear about Gerald. My thoughts and prayers to his family. He will be missed by all who new him. He and my parents Bill and Anne Hawkins sure had some good ole flying fun. Fly high with Bill and the others up in the big blue sky.
Mike Stoll
December 10, 2017
Mike was real good man he will be missed
Mike and Janey Sims
December 10, 2017
Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one .May God be with the family at this difficult time . Our Prayers are with you.
Vernon Rikard
December 10, 2017
A message from my Dad, Vernon Rikard. I have known Mike for many years. I flew airplanes too. Mike & I spent a lot of time together. He was a good man. I will miss him. Vernon V. Rikard/ @ Georgia war Veterans Home 15th St. Augusta, Ga. , Tim Smith & Verna Lee Gail Smith
Mr. Ballard "holding court" @ SCBC, Salisbury, NC
EAA Chapter 1083
December 9, 2017
A great aviator, a talented entertainer and genuine friend to an ever growing group of SCBC members, we'll miss the funny stories & his shared enthusiasm. His neat gift for making all of us "members" feel special will be long remembered!
Jerry Johnson
December 9, 2017
Godspeed Gerald. You brought joy to a huge number of SCBC
flyers. You will be fondly remembered, and sadly missed.
Janet HARVEY-Hopkins
December 9, 2017
Janet,
My prayers are with you now, as they have always been. (Red Lobster)
Janet Hopkins
December 9, 2017
Janet,
My prayers are with you now and as always.
Janet HARVEY-Hopkins (Red Lobster)
Yvonne Seckinger
December 9, 2017
Prayers for family and friends. So sorry for your loss.
MR AND MRS JAMES KEISLER
December 9, 2017
HE WILL BE MISSED
Thomas Walters
December 8, 2017
From the pilots at Holly Hill, SC, Gerald you will truly be missed! God bless you , and to your family are prayer are with you all in this time of sadness. God Bless
Buddy Bennett
December 8, 2017
Rest in peace. A very dear friend
kathy faglier
December 8, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. He was my fathers dearest friend. They were airplane buddies. Kat Faglier
Jim Craig
December 8, 2017
Gerald invigorated the SCBC--certainly will be missed.
DEBORAH BOYD
December 8, 2017
SORRY FOR YOU LOSS PRAYERS FOR ALL HIS FAMILY ,
Larry Garner
December 8, 2017
Gerald touched many lives with his stories, antic's and benevolence; he had a big heart. His love of flying was shared by the many that knew him. I'm proud to have known him and that I could call him a friend; he will be missed.
CHARLES and LATRELLE DAVIS
December 8, 2017
PRAYERS SENT TO THE FAMILY
December 8, 2017
We are sorry for the loss of Gerald Ballard
W B Clampjr Clamp Aero Service, Newberry,SC
SC Tire Processing
December 8, 2017
The employees of SC Tire Processing are very saddened to hear of Mr. Ballard's passing. We will miss him greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Don Alexander
December 8, 2017
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Gerald. He was always a friend to me. Used to see him at the airport and talk with him. He was always a great person.
God Bless you during this time of your loss.
You will be in my prayers
Kinsey & Denise Butler
December 8, 2017
Janet, Becky and Michael,
We are so sorry for your loss of your Father.
May God be with you during this time. May God Bless You and Your Family.
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