Claude Ballard

Claude Avery Ballard, Jr. 69 of Newton died Tuesday January 21st, 2014 at his residence. Born May 19th, 1944 he was the son of the late Claude Avery Ballard, Sr. and Willie Edith Spencer Ballard. He loved to fish, hunt and ride his motorcycle. He made his career as a carpenter. A mason and a U.S. Army Veteran, he attended Freedom Biker Church of Hickory. A son, Eric Ballard and wife Maria of Catawba; two sisters, Janice Hunsucker of Conover and Lazette Trayner of Newton; a brother, Jerry Ballard and wife Betty of Hickory and a grandson, Lucas Clay Ballard and a number of nieces and nephews survive him. Two sisters, Gail Singleton and Wilma Crouse preceded him in death. The funeral will be 2:00 pm Friday January 24th, 2014 at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Greg Spurling officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Burial will be at a later date at the State Veterans Cemetery in Salisbury. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to Freedom Biker Church of Hickory, 1385 33rd St SE, Conover, NC 28613. Please sign the online guestbook at www.JenkinsFuneralHome.net. The Ballard family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Newton-#828-464-1555.