Raymond C. Ballard, Lackawannock Township, passed away peacefully at 12:20 a.m. Wednesday (10-22-08) in his residence after an extended illness. He was 80.
Mr. Ballard was born May 29, 1928, in New York City, a son of Charles and Frances Borgess Ballard.
He attended Fredonia schools.
Ray served two terms with the Army and was honorably discharged in 1947 as a decorated veteran of World War II with the Victory Medal and the Army Occupation Medal. He later re-enlisted and served until his second honorable discharge in 1951.
He was a press operator with General American Transportation Corp., from which he retired with 29 years of service from its former Masury plant.
Ray loved spending time with his family and traveling. He had a love for dogs and horses. He knew his way around the kitchen, enjoyed baking and was proud of his homemade pies.
Dusty, as he was known, loved country music in his early years and sang with Rusty King and the Chester Maykowski Band.
He loved the outdoors and was an avid gardener who was always generous when sharing his harvest with friends, family and neighbors. His canning won first place at the Transfer Harvest Home and his prize fruit trees were featured in Gurney Seed Magazine.
His family will miss him dearly, especially his great sense of humor.
His wife, Eloise Ballard, whom he married Nov. 26, 1949, survives at the residence.
Surviving are: his three daughters, Shirley Kucik; Bonnie Abinosa and her husband Lawrence Abinosa; and Connie Zipay and her husband Bruce Zipay; four sons, Daniel Ballard, Robert Ballard; Gary Ballard and his wife Eva; and Bruce Ballard; 15 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; a sister, Helen Lingenfelter; and two brothers, Harold Frye and his wife Fera, Florida; and Bill Conboy, Connecticut.
Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Salvation Army, 660 Fisher Hill St., Sharon 16146; or Family Hospice and Palliative Care, 1965 Shenango Valley Freeway, Hermitage 16148-2502.