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George C. Ballas Sr.
George C. Ballas Sr.
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George Ballas Obituary
Ballas' son, Corky Ballas, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that his father died of natural causes on Saturday.
"He changed the way we cut grass," Corky Ballas said.
Ballas got the idea for the Weed Eater, a device also commonly known as a weed whacker, while sitting in a car wash. He wondered whether the idea of spinning bristles, like the ones cleaning his car, could be applied to trimming grass and weeds in areas a lawnmower couldn't reach.
He experimented with fishing wire that poked through holes in a tin can attached to the rotary of a lawn edger, and found that the spinning wires easily sliced through grass, The Houston Chronicle reported.
Ballas founded his Weed Eater company in Houston in 1971 and sales flourished during the subsequent decade.
He later sold his invention to Emerson Electri c. As part of his agreement with Emerson, Ballas was not allowed to disclose how much he was paid, even to his family.
"A Weed Eater," Ballas told the Chronicle in 1993, "comes along once in a lifetime."
Corky Ballas said his father for years was known as the "Weed King."
But George Ballas, who was born in Ruston, La., was also a dance studio owner and dance was an important part of his family's life.
After his military service, Ballas worked for both the Arthur Murray and Fred Astaire dance studio franchises. He was a dance instructor, but also travelled to various cities, troubleshooting to make the outlets profitable.
After moving to Houston in the late 1950s, he built and operated the Dance City USA Studio. With 120 instructors and 43,000 square feet of space, it was heralded as the largest dance studio in the world. He sold it in 1964.
Ballas' wife, Maria Louisa Ballas, was a noted flamenco dancer who studied with famed Spanish dancer Carmen Amaya and appeared in several films.
Corky Ballas became a champion ballroom dancer, and his son, Mark Ballas, is a professional dancer. Both of them have appeared on "Dancing With the Stars."
George Ballas also helped develop a Houston hotel and worked as an adjunct professor at Rice University, teaching entrepreneurship.
He is survived by his wife, three daughters, two sons and seven grandchildren.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
62 Entries
Nick Navarro (Orchestra) Navarro
March 31, 2014
Sorry to hear about a good friend Remembering the good times at the dance studio playing for great dancers For the good times My best to his
Great family
Dee Dee Pope
July 17, 2011
I have heard wonderful stories of George Ballas through the years from my Mother, Vivian Johnston Money (Columbus Georgia). She met George as a teenager in Rayville Louisiana, where her sister and brother in law, Dorma & C.W. Gallman lived across the street from the Ballas family.
She tells of first seeing George in the senior high school play, where he had the lead role---and at the end of the play, kissed the leading lady. Amazed--my Mother said they would have never been allowed to "kiss" on the stage at her high school
--Jordan High School in Columbus Georgia!!
They became friends and would always see each other on her visits to Rayville. She tells of having dinner in the Ballas home and being served wine, preparations for Stella's wedding (Mrs. Ballas making lace cookies)and many happy and memorable times spent with George and friends in Rayville.
She and Stella exchanged letters for quite some time, then eventually lost contact. My Mother has always loved to write letters (and still does at age 85).
When George entered the service, they faithfully wrote letters back and forth. One day when George, stationed in Texas, was at the mail box to send her a letter, he struck up a conversation with a fellow soldier, and found out that he was from Columbus Georgia and had graduated with my Mother-- what a small world! Unfortunately, James Clark was killed while in training. When George was discharged from the service, he came through Columbus and spent several days with my Mother and my Grandparents. While there, he and Mother went to visit with James Clark's family-----what an impression this made on me when hearing this while growing up. I knew he must have been such a kind, thoughtful and caring man.
Mother has pictures of George in his uniform, George and Stella, and Mrs Ballas, and loves to tell of their friendship and many happy times spent in Rayville.
Please know that we share your great loss. What a wonderful man he must have been--I am just sorry I never had the opportunity to meet him, but am able to "know him" through my Mother's stories and through the accomplishments of Corky, Mark and all of his family in the television, internet,and newspaper articles.
The world has lost a truely great man, but know he continues to live in the hearts of all he has touched through the years.
Winkie Ballas
July 16, 2011
To all who have taken their precious time to post beautiful heartfelt words regarding my Daddy!
In a time of grieving as I am now experiencing, I am realizing the importance of 'the human heart'!. Your condolences, prayers, scriptures, loving comments, lighting of the candles, have each and every one ... pierced my heart, mind and soul in a way of healing that cannot be described.
Those of you who new my Daddy, your MEMORIES, STORIES, ADJECTIVES, DESCRIPTIONS of who he was not only uplift me but allow me to see different facets of him that I never would have seen . . . thus, MORE HEALING for me.
Because of your kindness, because of the time you took to share your heart, I not only am able to to return to 'daily routine', but am doing so with a new energy and outlook on life.
I love all of you by the connection we share through the Spirit my Dad carried while here and carries now.
One of Dad's favorites was, "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you."
Thank you and may you go forward in Godspeed!
Prov: 3:5-7
Maria Jamail (Winkie Ballas)
[email protected]
Houston, Texas
How you can show support
William Hardiman
July 8, 2011
I offer my sincere condolences to your family and may God give you His peace during this difficult time.
July 5, 2011
Kudos for George Ballas' long, happy and productive life.
I met George in the very early 50's in San Antonio when we were fellow dance instructors for Arthur Murray. We referred to each other as Mr. Ballas and Miss Lindsay because, in those days, to have used our first names would have seemed too familiar and WE WERE PROFESSIONALS! When I was obviously pregnant with my first child I became "Mrs." Lindsay, an early nod to political correctness.
I remember how much George loved and admired outstanding dancing, especially flamenco. I'm sure both he and Maria were thrilled to see their son and grandson continue to uphold the family tradition of great dancing.
I remember George as being an optimist AND a realist. He was committed to excellence and the precepts of positive thinking. He was also endlessly kind and caring to the myriad of people with whom he came in contact.
We need more like him.
Sincerely
Nancy Lindsay Idlet
Austin, TX.
Dorrie Novak
July 5, 2011
Dear Ballas family.
My sincere condolences to your family on the loss of a true gentleman.Your fathers witt and charm was definely passed down to both to Corky and Mark
Corky when you was with Cloris on DWTS you gave the utmost enjoyable performance and your father could'nt have been more proud of you.
He was a joy and a inspiration to all he met.
Sincere Condolences
Dorrie Novak
and family
ms
July 5, 2011
So sorry for your loss. May you find great comfort in your loving thoughts of George and may all the precious moments you shared with him help you get through this difficult time.
Arlene Todd
July 4, 2011
Oh George, Dear Dear George:
We are so thankful to have had you and your family in our lives. You changed our lives for sure & and you did change the world with dancing and helped the world with trimming and landscaping!!! Ray and I have talked about coming to visit you the past 2 years...I so wish that we had made it before you got sick. (Never ever procrastinate and you didn't. You got an idea and you jumped on it.) How I miss that deep voice, that most contagious laugh and your positive and exciting atti-
tude!!! I don't know if you and Maria were aware of the letter that I mailed you about 2 or 3 weeks ago....because Buck said that you were already not doing
well at all.....but I know that you know how much we love and appreciate you and your family. You will always live in our hearts, minds and in so many fond and fun memories!!! You inspired many...more than you know...George Ballas!!!! You truly are an exceptional man, husband, father, grandfather and friend (much above the norm!!!! ) You leave a legacy for your family and friends and have proven that if you want to do anything badly enough, you believe in it,pursue it, work hard at it and if you never never ever give up... it can be done. So, George ...since you will live in our hearts forever & ever,I will just say .....that I know you are up there now with your family members and most likely looking around to see if there is anything you can improve up there ...maybe how to make the sky more
blue, the stars a little brighter, heaven
a little clearer or even fix the firmament a little better....but ..relax now...Dear Friend...YOU CAN REST NOW, YOU
HAVE ACCOMPLISHED MUCH,and we will just say to you...... "Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant! "***The stars and all ARE MUCH BRIGHTER NOW*** because you are there!!!!! We love you and thank you for being in our lives!!!!! Arlene and Ray Todd and Family
PearlLopez Delgado
July 4, 2011
Its sad to hear
of someones Death
As Our prayers are said`
rip`George C. Ballas Sr.
"Sonny" Houck
July 4, 2011
I have many "old time memories" of George and his family. He and his parents, Pete, and Stella were wonderful friends! Freddie R. "Sonny" Houck
Victoria&Andrew
July 4, 2011
What a Brillant
smart man as a
Friend to many'
Our Condolences
to the Ballas Family..
GodBless you ~GEORGE~
Mario Rodriguez
July 4, 2011
Rest in peace you taco-eating, Mexican food adventurer. (I say this affectionately) I met Mr. Ballas, back in 1975 when I was a waiter at Ninfas on Navigation. He'd come in with a group of fellas, all wearing green T-shirts that said "Weedeater!" My aunt Ninfa Laurenzo admired your family and so do I. May God Bless the family.
Miss CC
July 4, 2011
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Elizabeth Boutte-Cuero
July 3, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Gary Foster
July 2, 2011
George had a unique management style. He once said that he wanted all of us to be like wild ducks but flying in his formation. There was no rank in his meetings but he did reserve the right to make the final decision. He often started an important point with, "A wise man once told me..." and if the point was really important important would continue with "that you must tell something 13 times before anyone would totally understand it and this is the number one time.....". There seldom, if ever, was a time that he repeated that point. He got everyone's attention the first time. I have never met another man like him.
Gail Siegel
July 2, 2011
My sincere condolences to the Ballas family for the loss of the head of their family.
May all your memories of George bring smiles to your faces & your hearts.
Rest In Peace, George Ballas.
VENA BERRY
July 2, 2011
My deepest condolences to the Ballas family. May you find a measure of comfort through prayer, and in one of God's promises 'that oneday we will see our loved ones who have passed again.' JOHN 6:40
km taylor
July 2, 2011
God Bless you all!! What an AMAZING guy! Have enjoyed Corky and Mark for years! My sympathy to the family!!
J. Bruce Bryant
July 2, 2011
May the heart-felt love for Mr. Ballas as expressed by so many bring you comfort in the days ahead. God Bless.
Ronald Johnston
July 1, 2011
George C. Ballas was a resident of Rayville, Louisiana for many years. During that time My Aunt and My Mother had the opportunity of meeting him on many occassions. It was said that my Aunt actually dated Mr. Ballas for a short time. I have always known that he invented the weed-eater and have thought of him and his invention many times as I go about trimming my grass. I wish to express my condolences to his family.
Lisa Lee Harp Waugh
July 1, 2011
My most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of a wionderful man.
July 1, 2011
Dear Maria and Children:: I heard about this on the National News, and wanted to send you my condolences. I worked for George at the Arthur Murray studio in Austin many years ago. He was a great person, and will be greatly missed. I watch Mark on the TV show, and am proud to say I worked for his Grandfather! Pat Sherwood, St. Joe Beach, Fl.
Cameron McKinley
July 1, 2011
My condolences to the family of George C. Ballas, my friend and mentor that I have known since I was 15 or 16. He was my friend and mentor and influenced my life at a time when mature counsel was needed.
I knew George when he owned the Ballas Cafe in Shreveport, Louisiana. My group "hung" there because George came to be trusted, respected, and over time, admired by most of us.
Ballas Cafe was one of the things I missed most when I left to go to college. Then, at the second semester, George showed up at our doorstep looking for a place to stay. College had not agreed with one of our roomates,so he chose not to return. We gladly took George in his place.
What a ride it was to have him as a roommate! He was more than I remembered and then some. He became "Professor Ballas" to those of us who attended his seminars on Various aspects of romatic relationships. He opened up a dance studio which catered to young college students and taught, then hired, several of us to help him instruct. He also had a new car which he did not allow us to drive.
Good things came to an end when he was called back into the service. He applied for deferment, but was turned down and we were all shared his disappointment.
Unfortunately, none of us were at home when he came to say good by; but he left a note (which I still have) and his "50 Mission Crush" officers cap that he wore in WW II (which happened to disappear during one of our many moves since then). I also have one grainy photo of George waving to us from his spiffy two-seater 1950 Plymouth convertible.
In my memory bank , I also have many fond, and humorous stories about George that I would be most happy to share, along with the photo and letter. I can be reached at [email protected] if you are interested. My phone number is (303) 526 1463
Again, I wish to express my sorrow about George's death. To me he was a remarkable human being and a friend that I will never forget. I will miss him.
Cameron McKinley
Jenny Herren
July 1, 2011
Michelle,
I was sorry to hear about the loss of your wonderful and dear father. Please tell Maria and all your sibilings my prayers are with them. Have comfort in knowing that the grounds in Heaven are now "manicured" and many happy feet are now "dancing".
Always,
Jenny (lambchop)
J Vlcek
July 1, 2011
I had no idea Mr. Ballas is the man who made my life immeasurable easier. I love gardening but mowing and trimming I do with clenched teeth. Weed whackers are like computers -- how did we manage without them? Mr. Ballas will be remembered, and thanked, throughout the growing season.
L B
July 1, 2011
His legacy will live on in, I hope, in inspiring others.
Violeta Donner
July 1, 2011
Dear Mrs. Ballas & Family,
GOD truly blessed you with this wonderful man in your lives as well as ours. Please find comfort in HIM in this time. I have wonderful memories of our childhood, especially dancing! Thank you for all those wonderful years of get togethers and the Birthday Club. Michelle, Bucky, Winkie, Corky and Nini and especially Mrs. Ballas, I, as well as my family, am truly sorry for your loss....GOD Bless...Violeta Gonzales Donner
Gerald Gossen
June 30, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Although my time spent with Mr. Ballas at Blookies was short, I remember him as a hard worker always striving for perfection. But most importantly a kind and caring person.
The James Family
June 30, 2011
Ballas Family,
Because of the brilliant mind of George, neighborhoods across the country are beautiful!! Thank you and may your memories bring you comfort.
ESTELA ZAMORA-KRAMER
June 30, 2011
To Maria Luisa Marulanda Ballas and Family,
Please accept our sincere condolences at the passing of your loved one.
He left a tremendous impression in the Arts and Sciences. He will be truly missed.
You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and always.
ESTELA ZAMORA KRAMER AND FAMILY
Constance House
June 30, 2011
All my love and sympathy to the Ballas family. Mr Ballas enjoyed a long a fruitful life I remember going over to your house tutoring Winkie in Math. We graduated from IWA together. My prayers are with you all.
Grace Aasletten
June 30, 2011
What a wonderful, brilliant and handsome man! My heart goes out to all of you. Please accept our sympathy and prayers.
June 30, 2011
My heartfelt condolences to the Ballas family. May the God of all comfort be with you as you cope with your loss.
Jerry Longsworth
June 30, 2011
Condolences from the family of Toni Longsworth & friends of Wes Nielsen - thanks to "lessons learned" at Dance City USA Mr. Ballas' legacy will live on in our family as our children and grandchildren take to the dance floor.
Gary Foster
June 30, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the Ballas family. Mr. Ballas was one of the most influential men in my life. I have always had a deep respect for him, his smile, his many talents and that sparkle in his eye. My years at Weed Eater were the most memorable in my working life. My life was deeply enriched by having known and worked for him.
Patrick Lee
June 30, 2011
May God give the family the strength they need during their time of sorrow. "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Psalm 30:5b Thanks for the Weed Eater, may your earthly resting place always be kept beautiful.
JoDe Romano
June 30, 2011
All my love to the Ballas family! If it wasn't for Miss Ballas & dance city usa i wouldn't be a Flamenco dancer in New York City & Spain my whole life! Thank you for making my life better! JoDe Romano
JoDe Romano
June 30, 2011
we will all miss him! dance city usa & miss ballas made my life what it is today & i would'nt be a flamenco dancer in NYC & spain all of my life with out dance city usa & the ballas family!thank you for being part of my life, the best part!! ole!
JoDe Romano NYC NY
Nellie Daum
June 30, 2011
As a widow, Mr. Ballas made my life easier when taking care of the yard. As the father and grandfather of two fabulous dancers, who I faithfully watch on Dancing with the Stars, he enriched my life with the joy of watching them dance and espiring me to learn the art of ballroom dancing. Thank you, Mr. Ballas for sharing them with us. My prayers and sympathy to your family. God bless!
June 30, 2011
Thank you for using and sharing your God gifted talent with the world. You surely made it a nicer, neater place to live..which reflects that you, too, must have been a very nice gentleman. Pat Martin Danville, Va.
Janice Tamborello Ledet
June 30, 2011
I remember what a wonderful, caring father Mr Ballas was to his children. He was a very special person. You have my sincere sympathy.
Richard Brady
June 30, 2011
In 1974 I owned a lawn equipment business and our distributor came in one day with a product he wanted us to try; a battery operated WeedEater. I immediately took one outside and whacked the grass down and, oh my, I knew then that this was big. Nothing ever before would do what this would do. Thank you Mr. Ballas and may you rest in splendidly kept grass on the other side.
M K
June 30, 2011
Thank you, George Ballas, for such a great invention. I have seen my mother-in-law trim all around her fenced yard with a little hand trimmer. The weed eater surely made a difference. A great invention!!!!!
nancy nagy
June 30, 2011
my condolences...they man who invented the weed eater is my hero!
John R. Irish
June 30, 2011
Corky, I am so sorry for your loss! My prayers are with you and your family.
John
Debbie Pasciak
June 30, 2011
Deepest Condolences to the Ballas Family. George sure made our lives easier. And what great dancers he has in his family!
June 30, 2011
I've always said there should be a National Holiday passed by Congress and signed by the President, to celebrate the birthday of the Weed Whacker inventor! This remains one of the greatest inventions of all time! Mr. Ballas Sr is dead, long live Mr. Ballas! God speed sir, God speed! Condolences to your fine family.
Dolon Peete
June 30, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Patrea Threatt
June 30, 2011
To the Ballas family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Your father is a great man who inspired so many of us! I hope your wonderful memories of a wonderful man will provide some comfort.
SCOTT CHAMBERLAND
June 30, 2011
REST IN PEACE
William T. Held
June 30, 2011
Mr. Ballas was an amazing man. I had no idea of the careers his life had covered. He is to be truly admired for all of his accomplishments and his "business savy". My condolences and deepest sympatiies to his remaining family.
Martha Pizzini
June 30, 2011
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
betty meeks
June 30, 2011
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS,WE ARE THANKFUL TO HIM FOR OUR WEED EATERS ,I DIDN'T KNOW HIM BUT HIS INVENTION HAS REALLY HELPED A NATION OF PEOPLE,IT'S SO NICE TO SEE SOMEONE DO SOMETHING THAT HELPS OTHERS ,HE WON'T BE FORGOTTEN .GOD BLESS YOU HIS FAMILY.
R Golay
June 30, 2011
To the the family of George Ballas, Sr. - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
Tim Ryan
June 29, 2011
My condolences to the Ballas family. I had the unique experience to have worked at Weed Eaters in the beginning. Mr. Ballas was always very nice and kind to all of us and the experience of being around him and seeing how he grew the business has always stayed with me. I learned how an idea is put together and to see how to grow a business, very good memories.
Karen Richardson
June 29, 2011
What a handsome and talented man....Thank you sir for the gifts you bestowed on us all!
Nick Tesla
June 29, 2011
That's really sad. We need more of that type of thinking!
A O
June 29, 2011
To The Ballas Family,
My condolences go out to you and yours. May all the pleasant memories that you shared bring you comfort in your times of grief, in addition to all the cards, flowers, and well wishes. May you find comfort in the thoughts mentioned at Isa. 41:10, which has helped me tremendously.
Sincerely,
Kathy Autrey
June 29, 2011
Prayers and deepest sympathies to the Ballas family.
sheryl
June 29, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the Ballas family.
When someone you love dies they leave behind a life time of memories, cherish them and lean on God for support.
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