Roll Call Tribute

Blake Nelson Ballard 

May 27, 1965 - September 26, 2025 

Blake Nelson Ballard, age 60, of Hasty, AR passed away Friday, September 26, 2025 at Willard Walker Hospice House in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

The son of Willie and Jessie (Jeffrey) Ballard was born May 27, 1965 in Dallas, Texas. Blake was a graduate of South Garland High School and attended Texas A&M University.

He enlisted in the US Marine Corp January 1985 and served until he was honorably discharged in May of 1991. While enlisted, he was a helicopter mechanic, specifically on the Boeing-Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight. He received several medals and was also a Golden Shellback for crossing the Equator and the International Date Line simultaneously.

He had retired from UPS, working for them in Dallas, Harrison, and Searcy.

Blake loved trivia; he liked to share trivia knowledge and test others. He was an excellent communicator, who coincidentally loved to talk. He enjoyed playing games, listening to music, and spending time with family. He loved sports and was an avid Texas A&M Aggie and Chelsea Football Club fan. He enjoyed traveling, especially going on cruises.

Blake was compassionate and funny. He was always a positive person. His personality was infectious, and he was a joy to be around.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a great nephew, Riley Groves; his in-laws, Arless and Betty Smith; and his favorite dog, Goldie.

Blake is survived by his wife of 20 years, Judy Smith Ballard; his sister, Lisa Sterling and husband David, and their children, Reagan and Reid Sterling; and his sister-in-law, Debbie Wheeler and husband Kim, and their children, Randy (Sadie) Wheeler, Rhonda (Roger) Groves, Keith (Bethany) Wheeler, and Jared (Jessica) Wheeler; a host of great nieces and great nephews, extended relatives and many dear friends.

Visitation is Friday, October 3, 2025 from 6 pm to 8 pm at Coffman Funeral Home in Harrison. Funeral service is Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 10 AM at Coffman Funeral Home.

Burial with military honors will follow in Sand Hill Cemetery at Yardelle.