William Paul Ballard Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

The family appreciates your prayers during this time. Former Army officer and banking executive William Paul “Bill” Ballard passed away May 19th, 2022 at his home in Stone Mountain, GA in the presence of his wife and daughter. He is survived by Nita, his loving wife of 70 years; his younger brother, Larry; his devoted daughters, Debbie and Cindy and their husbands, John and Peter; his four grandchildren, Timothy, Alan, Michelle, and Michael; and two great-grandchildren, Colton and Cash. A child of the Great Depression, Bill was born on Christmas Eve 1930 to William Zen and Sallie Davis Ballard in Pike County, GA. He was the third youngest member of a large family that included three older brothers, two older sisters, and two younger brothers, with whom Bill remained close throughout his life. Growing up, Bill diligently supported the family business through many hours of hard work on the farm, but he also found time to enjoy more athletic pursuits, including basketball and swimming. At the age of 17, Bill enlisted in the United States Army. He completed his basic training in Columbia, SC before being stationed in Okinawa, Japan, where he was promoted to the rank of Corporal. Bill soon returned to the U.S. by way of California and spent the remainder of his time in the armed forces while stationed at Camp Stoneman. It was here that he met his wife, Juanita, at the army post in 1951. The pair were married later that year in Las Vegas when Bill was twenty, though their wedding certificate would note his age as being 21 at the time. Upon leaving the military, Bill accepted a position with the Civil Service before transitioning into the field of banking and beginning a lengthy career that spanned nearly four decades. Bill relocated a final time when he returned to the Atlanta area, where he rose through the ranks of Citizens & Southern (C&S) National Bank. Having successfully navigated several bank mergers, and advancing to his final position as Head of Operations and Data Processing for the state of Georgia, Bill retired in 1989 as a highly respected Sr. Executive Vice President. Shortly after retiring, Bill was called back to work for his final, and most visible professional achievement: helping oversee construction of the Bank of America Plaza in midtown Atlanta, arguably the most iconic and architecturally significant building in the city’s skyline. Though a former quail hunter, subsequent to his retirement Bill devoted his time to numerous other pursuits, but perhaps none more so than golf – a game he enjoyed throughout his life. He was also an ardent supporter of his extended family, spearheading annual vacations to Hilton Head Island, SC and spending as much time with his grandchildren as time would allow. Bill’s final years were spent amongst friends at the Park Springs retirement community, where he logged many hours playing cards, hosting family gatherings, and simply enjoying his time with those closest to him. The funeral service to celebrate the life of William P. Ballard will be held on Monday, May 23, 2022 at 12:00 PM at Tom M. Wages Snellville Chapel, Snellville, GA. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Griffin, GA. The family will receive friends on Monday, May 23, 2022 from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM at the funeral home. Due to COVID-19 regulations, our staff is committed to taking care of our guests and families that we serve. We also ask all guests and family members attending visitations and services to please continue social distancing and if desired to bring and wear a mask. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, A Family Company, 3705 Highway 78 West, Snellville, GA 30039 (770-979-3200) has been entrusted with the arrangements.

William Paul Ballard

December 24, 1930 - May 19, 2022