Cherryville - Mr. Bennett Clawson "Ben" Ballard, 87, passed away on Sunday, December 25, 2022 at Atrium Health - Cleveland in Shelby.
Ben was born in Cherryville, NC on February 19, 1935 a son of the late David Ray Ballard and Emma Clawson Ballard. He was a 1953 graduate of Cherryville High School. Ben worked in the data processing department at Carolina Freight Carriers Corporation in Cherryville from 1954-1974. He retired from Lance Foods in 1997. Ben was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church in Cherryville, a charter member of the Cherryville Bassmasters and Cherryville Jaycee's. He loved fishing, playing golf, camping, traveling, Christmas, Elvis music, Duke Blue Devils, Dallas Cowboys, New York Yankee's and the Boston Celtics. Ben served in the U.S. Army from 1958-1960.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two sisters, Carolyn B. Robinson, Bobbie B. Beam Sorenson and two infant twin brothers.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Elizabeth "Libby" Hoke Ballard of the home; two sons, Chris Ballard and wife Bobbi and Kent Ballard and wife Rhonda; two grandsons, Colton Ballard (Anna) and Caleb Ballard and one great granddaughter, Charlotte Jean Ballard.
The family will receive friends from 1:45PM to 2:45PM on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at First United Methodist Church in Cherryville.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00PM on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at First United Methodist Church in Cherryville with Rev. Zack Christy officiating.
Burial will follow in Cherryville City Memorial Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 601 N. Pink Street, Cherryville, NC 28021.
A guest register is available at www.stameycherryvillefuneralhome.com
Stamey-Cherryville Funeral Home & Cremation Service is serving the Ballard family.