March 13, 2024, Tony Frank Randall Ballard, 76, passed away peacefully into the presence of his Lord with his wife and daughter by his side. Born in Asheville, NC, on August 10, 1947, he was a son of the late James Brittain Ballard and Aliene Penley Ballard.

Married at a young age, he was the devoted husband of 60 years to Irma Jean "Jeanie" Ponder Ballard.

Mr. Ballard went to Charles D. Owen High in Black Mountain, NC and proudly joined the United States Marine Corps at the age of 18 years old. Stationed at Camp Pendleton, in Oceanside CA; he was a skilled mechanic, working on M50 Ontos tanks during the Vietnam War.

Following his military career and return home, Mr. Ballard joined the Asheville Fire Department and retired after 30 years of service. Throughout his time with the department, he selflessly served as a firefighter and EMT. He continued to work after retirement transporting critically ill patients to regional hospitals. He had a servant's heart and devoted his life to taking care of his family and the community.

He was generous, loyal, and brave. He had knowledge gained through all of his life experiences; much being self-taught, he could fix or build anything.
A true outdoorsman he had a love for firearms and fishing. As a young boy, one of his most cherished memories was spending time in the mountains with his dog, Major, and his rifle. In his later years, he enjoyed playing ball indoors with his little buddy Kobe.

In addition to his wife Jeanie; his daughter, Michelle Ballard Cooper and her husband Rob; and a brother, Swain M. Ballard, survive him. Along with his parents, his infant daughter, Melissa Jean Ballard, precedes him in death.

The Graveside Service for Mr. Ballard will be held at 12 o'clock on Thursday, March 21, at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:30 until 11:30 o'clock at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Purple Heart Homes, 755 Washington Ave., Statesville, NC 28677. PHH is a non-profit organization with an "Aging in Place" program for Disabled Veterans.