Walter Harvey Ballard, Sr. was born January 12, 1933, in Summerdale, Alabama–the second of six boys. Walter is preceded in death by his mother and father, Bernice Louise Ballard and Victor Ballard, Sr.; his first wife, Rose Ballard; his second wife, Katy Ballard; and his daughter, Anna Marie Lorenzo. Walter left behind his six children: Wayne and Catherine Henton, Walter Harvey Ballard, Jr., Clinton and Christine Ballard, Stony and Jerry Ann Ballard, Danny and Kim Ballard, and Lee-sa Krapish. Also, he has left behind his five brothers and their wives, Carlos and Martha, Donald and Merry, Victor and Linda, Harold and Rita and Ernest and Beverly, as well his fifteen grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Equipped with but a ninth-grade education, Walter left home at an early age to pursue his dreams. After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as a Sergeant in France, he went on to make a successful life built on self-education that included numerous businesses, all surrounded by automobiles. Walter’s biggest accomplishment was being the first winner of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series Rookie of the Year in 1971. He went on to race until having a heart attack, but remained a part of racing as a racecar owner, having such drivers as drive for him. His wife Katy was just as involved in the industry, being one of the first to start the NASCAR ladies organization.
In lieu of flowers, since Walter was an avid supporter of St. Jude’s and Wounded Warriors, it would be preferred that a gift be given to one of these organizations in his honor.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 Monday, November 4 at James Funeral Home with burial to follow at Northlake Memorial Gardens. A visitation/reception will be held 12-2:00 prior to the service at the James Funeral Home.
James Funeral Home is assisting the family, online condolences may be made at www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com.