Lance O. Ballard

Lance O. Ballard passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014. Lance was born on Dec. 20, 1966 in Helena, Ark. He earned a BA in French andlLiterature from SMU and a MBA in quantitative analysis from the University of Arkansas, Sam Walton School of Business. He had a successful career in marketing and analytics in the banking/ financial industry. Lance was an active parishioner of St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Charlotte, N.C. serving as a Minister of the Word and Eucharistic Minister. He also devoted his time and talent to Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools, serving as the president of the School Board. Prior to moving to the Charlotte area, Lance was a supporter of Ballet Arkansas, The Rep and the Little Rock Humane Society. He was a voracious reader collecting many first editions and autographed copies of his favorite authors. His greatest joy and source of pride was his teenaged sons for whom he spent countless hours watching performances, preparing snacks and driving carpools. Lance is survived by his sons, Jackson Oldham Ballard and Jonathan Saracini Ballard, and his former wife, Shari Saracini Ballard. Lance also leaves behind his parents, Jerry J. and Myra Ballard Sr. of Walnut Ridge, Ark. and his siblings, Kim Ballard Holmes and her husband, Lee, of Fayetteville, Ark., Jerry J. Ballard Jr. and his wife, Blair, of Bentonville, Ark. and Teresa Ballard of Walnut Ridge, Ark. Lance will be missed by his extended family. A special heartfelt thank you goes to Bobbi Almond whose strength, love, kindness and guidance has been priceless. Visitation will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 214 SW 2nd St., Walnut Ridge, AR followed by a Memorial Service beginning at 6 pm. on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014.