Robert Ballard

Mr. Robert Boyd Ballard, age 60, of 59 Ash Street, Rome, GA, died Sunday, August 14, 2005, at his residence.Mr. Ballard was born in Floyd County on June 1, 1945, the son of Era Boyd Ballard and the late James (J.E.) Ballard. He was a member of Saint Lukes United Methodist Church in the Riverside community. Mr. Ballard worked at General Electric and Bellefonte as a pipe fitter and welder until he became disabled. He graduated from Model High School in 1964 where he was a member of the football team. Mr. Ballard served in the United States Navy from October 5, 1965 until his honorable discharge in October 4, 1971. He served on the U.S.S. Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1969 during Vietnam Conflict. He received National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Champaign Medal. Mr. Ballard was also an avid golfer. Mr. Ballard was preceded in death by his father, James (J.E. Ballard on September 3, 1975, and a sister, Billie Faye Selman, on April 20, 1987.Mr. Ballard is survived by his mother, Era Boyd Ballard; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Wayne H. and Martha Ballard of Rome, GA and Douglas Gene and Sandy Ballard of Acworth, GA; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary Frances and Willard Nelson of Rome, GA, and Tera Mae and Roy Silvers of Rome, GA; girlfriend, Patti Boatwright of Shannon, GA; nieces: Susan Day, Cheryl Swanson, Melody Anderson, Stephanie Lambert, and Regina Silvers; nephews: Jimmy Selman, Steve Silvers, Douglas G. Ballard II, Brian Ballard, Robert Madison Day, Matthew Anderson, and Luke Wood.Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 16, 2005, at 3:00 P.M. in the Heritage Chapel of the Jennings Funeral Home with Rev. Bill Adams officiating. Interment will follow in Oaknoll Memorial Gardens Cemetery with the Honor Guard from the Naval Air Station of Atlanta conferring military graveside rites.Mr. Ballard will remain in the Heritage Chapel of the Jennings Funeral Home where the family will receive friends Monday from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.Pallbearers are requested to meet at the Heritage Chapel of the Jennings Funeral Home on Tuesday by 2:30 P.M. and include Robert Day, Stephen Silvers, Matthew Anderson, Luke Wood, Douglas Gene Ballard II, and Brian Ballard. The honorary pallbearers will be Wayne Russell, Randal Randolph, Terry Merchinson, David McKennon, Jimmy Gowens, Edward Jones, and Johnny Alford.Please join Mr. Ballard's family in honoring his life by visiting www.jenningsfuneralhome.com to post tributes and share memories.