Jerry Ballard

Jerry Randall Ballard, 78, of Hickory, went home to be with our Lord on Tuesday, May 2nd, 2017. Born May 30, 1938 to the late Claude Avery Ballard and Willie Spencer Ballard. He was one of six children.  Before leaving his loved ones for his last but most glorious journey, Jerry experienced many adventures in life. At age 18, he enlisted in the Armed Forces, proudly serving the U.S. Army for 12 years. During his time in the Army, Jerry was well traveled, serving in many places including Germany and Vietnam. While home on leave from the Army, Jerry met the love of his life, Betty Adams Ballard, to whom he has been married for 57 wonderful years. Enjoying life together, Jerry and Betty had three children of their own.  At any given time, however, many other children lived in their home also, as Jerry never turned away a child in need. Jerry was extremely talented with his hands. He could build anything out of wood, fix anything mechanical that was broken, or electrical that was inoperative.  He was skilled at plumbing and masonry.  There seemed no limit to his talents. Always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need; family, friends, neighbors, and even total strangers could count on him.  Jerry worked as a mechanic for many years in the Aircraft industry and in the Auto industry.  Later in life, he changed professional interest, working in furniture as a machine operator.   Jerry is survived by his wife Betty Adams Ballard; daughter Pamela D. Flynn of Saint Louis, MO; son Todd S. Ballard and wife Stephanie of Connelly Springs; two sisters Janice Hunsucker of Conover, and Lazette Tryner of Newton; 15 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, and an abundance of nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents; a daughter Amanda Edwards; a son Jerry (Randy) Ballard II; two sisters Gayle Singleton and Wilma Crouse; and a brother Claude Ballard Jr.   Jerry will be greatly missed by all who knew him.  The Memorial Service will be 2:00 pm Saturday, May 13th, 2017 at Jenkins Funeral Home; officiated by Reverend Kenneth Bryant of Wilkies Grove  Baptist Church. Burial will be at a later date at Salisbury National Veterans Cemetery.   The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 pm Saturday at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Legion Post 48 at P. O. Box 505. Hickory, NC 28603.   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.