Reverend Marion C. Ballard

Reverend Marion C. Ballard, 89, of Little Rock, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Feb. 22 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. Born Nov. 4, 1921, he was an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God and served as a pastor and builder of churches throughout Arkansas for 58 years. He was an Army veteran, serving in the infantry in Northern France during World War II and as a Military Policeman at El Paso, Texas, after the war. He was honorably discharged in June 1946. Rev. Ballard was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, a great friend, and the most loving and compassionate of ministers. He was deeply loved by those whose lives he touched. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Margaret Armstrong Ballard; three daughters: Marilyn Logan of Roland, Donna Hoffmon and husband Vernon of Beebe, and Rebecca Sabounchi and husband Farid of Dallas; four grandchildren: Brent Atkinson and wife LeeSa, Shelly Tapp and husband Spencer, Lance Logan and wife Lori and Melanie Logan of Roland; six great-grandchildren: Spence and Mattie Tapp, Marcus and Lucas Logan, and Elijah and Noah Atkinson; sister Helen Blevins and husband Bill of Leechville. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Glenna Faye; parents, Jake and Maebel Ballard; brothers, Monroe, Fletcher, James, Buddy and Ernest; sisters Mary, Hester, Lucille and Elsie; parents-in-law, Jesse and Mattie Armstrong; and son-in-law, Bill Logan. Visitation will be at Little Rock West Assembly of God (formerly Maumelle Assembly) Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral service in the same location at 10 a.m., Saturday. A second visitation will be held at Buie Funeral Home Chapel in Rison at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, followed by a brief service at 3 p.m. and burial at the Greenwood Cemetery in Rison. Many thanks to our wonderful family and friends at Chenal Heights Nursing Home who took such loving care of "Papaw" during the last year. Also special love and thanks to his "other daughter" Bobby McIntyre, who loved and cared for him as if he were her own dad." In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Parkinson's Foundation, Hillcrest Children's Home Hot Springs, or the Disabled Veteran's Association. Online condolences at www.buiefuneralhome.com.