Robert Edward Ballard, Jr.

Robert Edward Ballard, Jr. 89, of Granite Falls, NC passed away Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Brockford Inn Assisted Living, Granite Falls.

Born August 28, 1936, in Syracuse, NY to the late Robert Edward Ballard, Sr. and Clara Beatrice Ray.

He was a graduate of Onondaga Valley Academy then Wanakena Forest Ranger School. He proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Chaplains Assistant for 2 years, 1 month, 17 days (1959-1962). Robert enjoyed gardening, camping, traveling with his family, hunting and fishing with his father and sons, eating Maine Lobster, Doug’s Fish Fry, donuts, ice cream, and blueberries every morning. He enjoyed handing out dog biscuits to the neighborhood dogs as they walked by and he always had some peanuts in his pocket to feed his resident chipmunk, “Chippy”. Robert collected lanterns his whole life, starting as a boy.

Robert served as head usher and was on the board of trustees for many years at Lafayette Avenue United Methodist Church in Syracuse, NY. He was later a member of the Syracuse Alliance Church for 30 years. He was assistant Scout Master for Troop 36 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. He was a member of the Syracuse Rose Society and volunteered at the Erie Canal Park in Camillus, NY. Following in his father’s footsteps, he was a Mason as well. After 43 years at the United States Postal Service in Syracuse, NY he retired in 2006 from his career as Postage Due / Accounts Payable Manager.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Susan Ballard, son Stephen Ballard of New York, Son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Andrea Ballard of North Carolina, grandchildren, Tim and Dear Ballard of Maryland, Grant and Christine Ballard of Maryland, great grandchildren, Leilalynn Hope, and Avery Grace Ballard of Maryland, sister-in-law, Karolyn Voelbel and husband Jim of North Carolina, nieces and nephew, Heather Hagadorn of Colorado, Noelle Wachter and husband Dave of North Carolina, Matthew Hagadorn and wife Meridith of New Jersey.

The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date.

Evans Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Robert Edward Ballard, Jr.