Robert Marion Ballard (ROME, Ga.)

ROME, Ga. - Robert Marion Ballard, Sr., 101, of Riverwood Retirement Center, Rome Georgia, passed away Monday Evening, December 29, 2008 at Rome's' Floyd Medical Center. Mr. Ballard was born in North Augusta, Aiken County, South Carolina on December 2, 1907 the son of the late Guy Edward Ballard and Anna L Sandstrom Ballard. He was married to Lena Lucile Scott on May 26, 1934. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Lena Scott Ballard in 1989, and a daughter, Dixie B. Morton (Mike) in 2005. He is survived by his children, Robert M Ballard, Jr (Mozelle) of Thomson, GA, Elizabeth B. Moore (William) of Hendersonville, TN, Helen B. Portman (William) of Hendersonville, TN, Judith B Dempsey of Rome, GA and Jack E. Ballard, Sr. of Rome, GA. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Mr. Ballard retired in 1972 as Division Meter Superintendant after 45 years of service with Georgia Power Company. After retirement he was known by many in the Rome area as "the Clock Doctor" for his work on time pieces. He worked on clocks until the age of 95 when failing vision hampered his abilities. He was also an avid fisherman all his life. Upon moving to Rome in 1943, he became a member of Rome's First United Methodist Church. He served his church as Lay Speaker, member of the Official Board, member of The Adult Fellowship Class, and member of the Chancel Choir. He also was Vice President of Travelers Protective Association, Director of United Cerebral Palsy Chapter, and Member of Georgia Chapter of International Association of Electrical Inspectors. While active in the Civitan Civic Club, he served as Vice-President and President of the Rome Civitan Club. Mr. Ballard was also Civitan's Georgia District Governor for 1958- 59. He will be remembered for his love of music, his church, his family and the spoken and written word. Funeral services will be Thursday, January 1, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of Rome First United Methodist Church. Mr. Ballard's son-in-law, the Rev. William M. Portman is officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Adult Fellowship Class of FUMC. Interment will be at Westover Cemetery, Augusta, Georgia on Friday, January 2, 2009 at 2:00pm with visitation following the burial. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to The Choir Fund at Rome First United Methodist Church, P O Box 628, Rome, GA 30162-0628. Join Mr. Ballard's family in celebrating his life by visiting www.mem.com to share memories and post tributes. Daniel's Funeral Home has charge of the services for Mr. Robert Marion Ballard, Sr. Sign the guestbook at AugustaChronicle.com

The Augusta Chronicle-January 1, 2009