Elvis "Joe" Ballew

Mr. Ballew, you were such an inspiration to this Rio Grande Valley/PSJA girl. You taught us the meaning of respect and dignity....and how to conduct proper research! This was a Civics class, but you taught us so much more . You were the epitome of a wonderful role model to look up to. I loved your class and I felt so lucky to have you as a teacher. Thank you for choosing to teach in the Valley. You could have gone anywhere else, but you stayed for those of us who needed someone like you in...

He made a huge impact on my life and how I viewed things. Mr. Bellew brought life into our class by sharing his. He believed in all of us. I felt I could do anything I set my mind to thanks to him. He beat my parents to heaven by a month. No doubt he welcomed them and shared stories.

Mr. Ballew was a kind, inspiring and patient teacher. Anytime my wife and I speak of our "High School Day", Mr. Ballew is the 1st teacher I remember. Rarely did I feel the need to take notes in his class, his tone of voice and the way he delivered his lesson/lecture was enough. With Great Respect and Admiration To Great Educator. My Deepest Sympathies To Mr. Ballews´ Family. Rest Well Sir. Andres (Andy) Guerra Class of 1980

The world has lost the a great teacher of youth but most importantly an awesome human being. His affect on my life concerning my love of learning is beyond measure. God Speed Mr. Ballew. The world could use more Mr. Ballews!

Mr. Ballew was a gentleman and a scholar. The words that come to mind when thinking of him are respect, manners and excellence. He treated everyone with respect and had lovely manners. I still have a note he sent my husband and on the day of our wedding. We both worked at the high school when we met. Mr. Ballew did not differentiate color, race, gender or nationality among high school students - he treated us all the same. He was our chaperone at almost every dance during my 4 years at...

I had Mr. Ballew in the early '60's and had such admiration for a fantastic teacher and a true gentleman. We met during the years long after I graduated high school, college, married and inherited our family funeral homes, when I met Mr. Ballew many times. He met married Joyce after my husband and I married, and he was truly a happy man meeting the love of his life. He was loved and admired by so many of his students, as witnessed by his many times voted favorite teacher of the year. I...

Mr. Ballew leaves behind a tremendous legacy - a great teacher and a great human being.

I had Mr. Ballew as a teacher my senior year at PSJA and I still have vivid memories of those classes. He was a true gentleman. Condolences to his family and friends.

Darice Angel
Class of 1973

Mr. Ballew stood in the hall as classes changed at PSJA...he had a smile for everyone...many stopped to chat, ask questions etc. One day he focused on me and asked if he could be of any assistance, did I have a question, was I doing alright. I so pleased and stunned; he made my day and off I went. God bless you Mr. Ballew for that moment of encouragement that went a long way. Mrs. Bea Ramirez Vento 1961 Grad.