On Sunday, April 21, 2019, Terry Ballard, loving husband, father, and Papa passed away at the age of 70. He was born September 19, 1948 to the late John and Thelma (Howell) Ballard. Terry was an All State Running Back in 1967 and graduated from Okmulgee High School in 1968. On June 19, 1970 he married the love of his life, Mary Mason. They raised a son, Marty, and a daughter Jayme. Terry began his career at the Okmulgee Fire Department in 1976. He was very proud of his career and had a true love for his fellow firefighters and citizens of Okmulgee. He retired as a Fire Chief in 1997. Terry had a passion for horses and enjoyed spending time at team ropings with his friends. He enjoyed every moment spent with his family and will be remembered for the love he had for them. For those of you who knew Terry, you knew, he never met a stranger.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Gary Ballard and Jim Ballard.
Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Mary Ballard, children, Marty Ballard and wife Gena of Okmulgee and Jayme Stevens and husband Jon of Bixby, grandchildren, Makelti Ballard, Kaden Ballard, Kaitlyn Stevens, Logan Stevens and Landry Stevens, mother-in-law Wanda Mason, a brother, John Ballard and wife Chris of Okmulgee and numerous family members.
The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. at the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home Chapel.
A funeral service will be held 10:00 A.M. Friday, April 26, 2019 at the First Baptist Church with Dr. Dennis Taylor officiating. Interment will follow in the Okmulgee Cemetery. Casket bearers will be Charlie Dildine, Timmy Salyer, Jody Wadley, Bruce Swearingen, Mike Rice and Eric Wetzel. The Okmulgee Fire Department will serve as honorary casket bearers.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Terry's Tribute Page of our website at www.mcclendon-winters.com