Kenneth Wayne Ballard Sr.

1939 - 2016

KENNETH WAYNE BALLARD, SR. Kenneth Wayne Ballard, Sr., 77, a longtime resident of Riverside, CA, passed away on August 18, 2016 due to complications of kidney disease, following a lengthy illness. Born on February 26, 1939 in Henderson, Texas, to Lee Ballard and Mattie Prior Ballard, Kenneth was their only son and youngest of four siblings. The family moved to California in 1942 and during the following years he attended schools in Indio and Mecca, graduating from Coachella Valley High Union School where he excelled in football, basketball and track. While playing high-school football "Ken" was chosen as Player of the Week on many occasions, as well as All County, deserving him the title of all-around athlete. Sports was his passion, as he went on to attend Riverside City College and joined the Fighting Tigers football team for two seasons. He joined the United States Army in 1962 and was stationed at Ft. Ord, CA. During his tour of duty, he was an expert Sharpshooter, and earned a Good Conduct Medal. He completed the United States Army Provost Marshall School in Ft. Gordon GA, and served as a Military Police officer. His passion for sports lingered, and he continued to play football during that period. He was recruited by the San Francisco Forty Niners, and signed a contract for the 1964 football season. Kenneth began a distinguished career with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in 1973 as a Correctional Officer at California Institution for Men, Chino. He promoted through the ranks of Correctional Program Supervisor, Lieutenant, and Special Agent, where he served as a liaison with other law enforcement agencies, and was a Board member of the State Prison Gang Task Force. He retired in 1997 from Ironwood State Prison as an Associate Warden. Following his retirement he was a member of the American Legion, Post 710, enjoyed bowling, traveling to Las Vegas, local casinos, Jazz and blues concerts and spending time with family and friends. Kenneth was always ready with a joke, and will be remembered for his quick wit, charming personality, and captivating smile. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Kenneth Wayne Ballard, Jr., and a sister, IV Newton. He leaves to mourn his passing, but celebrating his life, a devoted wife of 39 years, Joyce Foreman Ballard; two children from a previous relationship, Tammie M. Ballard, of Stockton, Le'Mon Ballard, Fontana; two sisters, Zelma J. Ballard and Jennice Graham of Riverside; one uncle, Alton Prior of San Diego; sister-in-law, Mae Ginwright (William) of Riverside; brother-in-law, Van Foreman, Jacksonville, Fl.; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and a host of loving cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Viewing will be held at Tillman Riverside Mortuary on Sunday, August 28, 2016 from 4:00 PM -7:00 PM. Mr. Ballard's Homegoing service will be held on Monday, August 29, 2016, 11:00 A.M. at Allen Chapel AME Church, 4009 Locust Street, Riverside, CA. with interment to follow at the Riverside National Cemetery.