Booker T. Ballard Jr.

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Booker T. Ballard Jr., 82, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2025, surrounded by the love and presence of his devoted family. Born on August 10, 1942, in Tennessee, Booker’s life was deeply rooted in the values of hard work, humility, and quiet strength—traits shaped during his early years growing up on a cotton farm. It was there he learned to drive a team of mules to the cotton gin, his parents close behind—lessons in responsibility, resilience, and purpose that never left him.

As a young man, Booker worked tirelessly at various jobs, saving every dollar he could. His determination paid off when he bought his first house—entirely with money he had earned on his own as a teenager. It was a proud achievement that reflected his independence, drive, and unwavering commitment to building a better life.

Booker went on to enjoy a long and rewarding career at General Electric, where he worked with dedication and pride for 47 years before retiring. He brought the same dependable spirit and strong work ethic to his job that he carried throughout every area of his life.

He and his beloved wife, Elizabeth “Liz” Ballard, shared 59 beautiful years of marriage. Together, they bought a piece of land, built a home from the ground up, and continued the farming life that Booker cherished. His love for the land was never more evident than when he was out mowing on his John Deere green tractor—his happy place.

Booker was a man of few words but boundless integrity. He was quiet, faithful, dependable, and deeply loveable. Always eager to learn and never one to shy away from a challenge, he carried a deep passion for work, whether tending to his land, caring for his animals, or building his business.

He had a lifelong love for cars—especially his 396 Chevy and his trusty Chevy trucks—and shared a special bond with his dogs. A proud entrepreneur, he and Liz were the owners of LB’s Music World, a reflection of his creativity and dedication.

Booker leaves behind his cherished wife, Elizabeth “Liz” Ballard; his loving son, Darryl Ballard; his brother, Dell E. Ballard; and his dear aunts, Vernita Douglas, Mildred Stanton and Liz Stanton , brothers-in law, Curtis (Mary Jo) and Phil (Rhonda) Rivers and numerous extended family members. He is reunited in eternal peace with his parents, Booker and Lula Ballard; his sisters, Jennie V. Hunt, Fannie B. Miles, and Willie L. Ballard; sisters-in-law Pamela, Shirley, and Beulah; brothers-in-law Glenn Sweatt and Jimmy Dyson.

The Ballard family extends heartfelt gratitude to his niece Sikudhani “Suki” Sweatt for her selfless compassion, unwavering intuition, and unconditional love shown to Booker and those who loved him. Her kindness will never be forgotten.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Scott Funeral Home, 2515 Veterans Parkway, Jeffersonville, IN. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM, with burial at Walnut Ridge Cemetery.

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