Obituary

William Earl Ballard of Goodyear, AZ passed away on February 18, 2020. He was born October 28, 1938, in Flint, MI to Lewis and Virginia Ballard. Bill received his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from Wayne State University and his Master’s degree from UCLA. His career brought him through many aspects of engineering management at Litton Industries and as Director of Engineering at EMM, often working with the military. He loved Houghton Lake in Michigan, especially in the fall. Bill and Patty planned the date of their wedding to coincide with the beauty of the leaves. After marrying the couple moved to California where they lived for 45 years. Upon retiring they moved to PebbleCreek Resort Community in Arizona where for 15 years they split their time between Arizona and a home on a lake in Michigan.

Bill loved to read and often had a book in his back pocket. He enjoyed the theater and music from country to classical. He liked playing a good, competitive game of bridge. Over the years In his leisure time, he enjoyed golf, camping, hiking, boating, water skiing, and fishing.   He will be remembered by his family and friends for being a huge UCLA, NFL and golf fan.

Bill was a man of few, but well-chosen, words. He had a generous nature, pleasant sense of humor, and a twinkle in his eye. He was private in his faith, strong in his convictions, and was active in his church. Family was at the forefront of his life and he loved his wife, son, and grandchildren with all of his heart. He lived a blessed and enriched life and will be greatly missed.

Bill is survived by his wife of 57 years, Patricia Ballard; son, Michael Ballard; grandsons, Jackson and Lewis Ballard; and granddaughter, S. Eleanor Ballard. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert and his parents, Lewis and Virginia Ballard.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 21, 2020, at Christ Presbyterian Church, 925 N Sarival Ave, Goodyear, AZ 85338. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Salvation Army, https://give.salvationarmyusa.org, or Hospice of the Valley, https://www.hov.org/donate/. Condolences for the family may be left below.