Billy Ballard

Billy Ross Ballard, age 86 of Greenbrier, passed away on May 4, 2022 at NHC in Gallatin.

He was born on February 5, 1936, to the late Gilbert Ross and Ada Christian Ballard in Springfield. Mr. Ballard is a 1955 graduate of Springfield High School and 1959 graduate of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. While he attended UTK, he majored in mathematics, was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho and worked his way through school as a milkman.

After graduation, Mr. Ballard came back to Robertson County, but the only job opening was the agriculture position at Greenbrier High School. Mr. Ballard became the AG Teacher of Greenbrier High School for 42 years where he became more than just a teacher but a role model, father figure and dependable friend to those around him. He married the love of his life on September 12, 1959, Ms. Susan Knox and they were blessed with four children. Mr. Ballard enjoyed his “Hobby Farming '' as he called it, setting out a garden, raising cows and bush hogging the farms. Memories were shared of summers picking up hay, visiting the banks to say hello and Mr. Ballard driving around town in his Red Ford Truck.

Through the years Mr. Ballard became an essential part of Greenbrier High School and the community. He did it all from taking up money at the Greenbrier High School football games for 25 years to running the concession stands for over 40 years where you could get a famous hamburger from “Burger Bill”. Mr. Ballard was a strong advocate for teachers as the RCEA President, Precinct Officer during the Election and one of the founders of the Greenbrier Country Club. He was an active member of Greenbrier Masonic Lodge #753/ Al Menah Shriners Temple, he volunteered at the Turning of the Pig and was a faithful member of First Baptist of Greenbrier until he moved to Ebenezer Baptist Church. Mr. Ballard was a true community ambassador for all things Greenbrier.

Mr. Ballard went above and beyond for not only his community but his family most of all. Family meant everything to him and through all the activities and events Mr. Ballard always had his family close by making memories and setting an example of a true gentleman.

The Greenbrier High Class of 1968 said it best, “He has worked for and with us, because he has given generously of his time and wisdom—Words are a poor substitute with which to express our sincere respect and admiration for this man. Everyone respects this teacher and looks to him for advice and help. He is never too busy to stop and talk with a student or to help the school in any way he can.”

The Greenbrier Community will be forever appreciative of his devoted service as a Counselor, Teacher, and Friend. His family will forever be grateful for the bar he set in being the loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather he was to them all.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Ballard is preceded in death by his wife, Susan Knox Ballard; son, Gilbert C. Ballard and brother, Bobby Ballard.

He is survived by his children, Barbara Ann Ballard (Mark) Allison, Michael R. (Bethany Carr) Ballard and Jeffrey R. (Bethany Dawson) Ballard; grandchildren, Matthew (Carrie) Allison, Jonathan (Rachel) Allison, Luke Allison, Grace Allison, Ross (Emily) Ballard, Grant Ballard and Ethan Ballard; great grandchildren, AJ Allison, Lincoln Allison, Parks Ballard and Pace Ballard.

A Life Celebration will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, May 14, 2022 in the Chapel of Springfield Funeral Home with Bro. Steve Sorrells officiating. Burial will follow at Springfield Memorial Gardens with

Matthew Allison, Jonathan Allison, Luke Allison, Grace Allison, Ross Ballard, Grant Ballard and Ethan Ballard serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 9:00am until the time of service at the funeral home. Online condolences and floral tributes can be sent care of Springfield Funeral Home at www.SpringfieldFH.com.

These arrangements were entrusted to Springfield Memorial Gardens, Funeral Home and Cremation Center: 4005 Memorial Blvd Springfield, TN 37172:615-384-5437