Jesse Ballard, Sr.

Jesse E. Ballard, Sr.,91, passed away on Monday, May 17, 2021 at West Point Community Living Center. He was born on October 21, 1929 in Aberdeen to the late Frank and Annie Ellen Cleveland Ballard. Jesse graduated from Aberdeen High and played football on the infamous 1949 AHS undefeated football team. He had a love for the outdoors and hard work, which led to a lifetime love for farming. Jesse worked on several area farms, lastly being the cattle farm on the former Scribner Farm in Becker. He enjoyed nothing more than to saddle his horse up before the break of dawn and spend a good day riding. More than anything he loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church and also attended Aberdeen First United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his son, Bub Ballard (Suzanne), Aberdeen; stepchildren, Bill Jurney (Martha), Amory, Louis Jurney (Nina), Amory, Ronnie Jurney (Sherrie), Canton, Sammye Tharp, Jackson and Lisa Walker (Henry), Franklin, TN; a host of grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren; sister, Edna Peterson, Aberdeen and a special friend, Mabel Howell.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wives, Louise Ballard and Betty Sue Jurney Ballard; daughter, Lisa Ballard Foster; grandson, Walt Tharp; brothers, Leo and Alvin Ballard; sisters, Dorothy, Bobbie Jean and Louise Ballard.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM on Friday, May 21, 2021 at Tisdale Lann Memorial Funeral Home in Aberdeen with Bro. Rick Burton and Bro. Jack Dauphin officiating. Burial will follow in Oddfellows Rest Cemetery. Pallbearers will be family and friends.

Visitation will be Thursday evening at the funeral home from 5-7 PM.