Obituary of Jr. Ballard

Murphy David Ballard, Jr., a longtime resident of Clarks, LA, and a current resident of Patterson, LA, died peacefully October 28, 2013, at his home in Patterson. He was born in Clarks, LA, on July 9, 1929, to the union of Murphy David Ballard, Sr., and Carrie Durbin Ballard. He was retired from Atlas Construction Company after 41 years, beginning work as a ground man, then heavy equipment operator, and up to a field supervisor, working in many locations in 5 states. Murphy enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing golf. In his retirement, he served 2 terms as an alderman for the Village of Clarks. He was also mayor pro-tem and then completed a term for mayor upon the passing of Mayor John Eason, his brother-in-law. Services are Thursday, October 31, 2013 at Risers and Sons Funeral Home in Columbia, LA. Visitation is 9 - 11 AM, and the funeral service will be at the chapel of Riser and Sons at 11AM with Rev. Jack McKeithen officiating. Interment will follow in the Old Bethel Cemetery near Clarks under the direction of Riser and Sons Funeral Home. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty Allen Ballard; one daughter, Rebecca Easley and her husband Lonnie of Patterson, LA; 2 granddaughters, Mary Easley and Rachel Easley of Patterson, LA; one sister, Billie Ruth Gaskill and husband Lorenzo of Houston, TX; one sister in law, Sybil Ballard of Clarks, LA, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Murphy and Carrie Ballard, sisters Mildred Mitchell and Wanda Roberts, and brother Raymond Ballard.