William Thomas Ballard Jr. '57

William Thomas Ballard Jr. (Bill), 79, died March 6, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina. A memorial service was held on March 9 at Providence United Methodist Church.

Bill belonged to Providence for 47 years. He also was a journalist. His career included serving as news director for WBTV; under his leadership, the station was the first news room in the country to be computerized. In earlier years, he had been a reporter, and his WBTV work included the “Carolina Camera” series.

After a marriage of more than 56 years, Bill is survived by his beloved wife Dee and four children: Stephanie Cole (Phil Kretz), Carolyn Richardson (Mike), Dottie Sue Fowler (Tim) and Tom Ballard (Jennifer). Pops, as we lovingly called him, is survived by 11 grandchildren: Lindsay Echols (Jason), Leslie Cole (Matt Wiesenthal), Nicholas Richardson (Stephanie Wertman), Rachel Richardson, Caitlin Richardson, Garrett Fowler, Clint Fowler, Joseph Fowler, William Ballard, Matthew Ballard and Emma Ballard. The great-grandchildren are Jameson Echols and Hollie Echols. 

Born in Greenville, South Carolina to Tom and Sue Ballard, Bill was raised, with siblings Ann Lynch and Bob Ballard, in Polkton, North Carolina, a place Bill always adored. For at least 34 years, he worked side by side with his dad in Ballard’s Store, including, as an adult, on frequent Saturdays. He was a Mason 32nd degree and member of the Scottish Rite. His civic service included Jury Commissioner for Mecklenburg County.

For those who wish to make memorial gifts, Bill’s family suggests gifts to the charity of one’s choice or to the Chipley Bible Class of P.U.M.C.

Bill was a member of the UNC Class of 1957. After Carolina, he served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. He was a member of Company D, Third Infantry Division, also known as the Rock of the Marne. In later years, Bill and Dee enjoyed Army reunions, the Charlotte Shag Club and extensive travel, including the Carribean, Germany and Florida. All great places, none was loved more than the family beach house in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina.   It truly was a life well lived.

Online condolences may be shared at www.tallentfuneralservice.com .