Harry Ballard

Harry Dunstan Ballard passed peacefully from his home to meet Jesus Christ, His Savior, on Friday, September 23, 2022.

Harry was born in New Rochelle, NY on June 25, 1931 to parents Harry Dunstan Ballard, Sr. and Elizabeth Laura (Whitman) Ballard. He is survived by his wife, Joanne: sons Whitney Dunstan Ballard of Enfield CT; James Arthur Ballard of Norwood, MA; Brian Timothy Ballard of Fortson, GA; and daughter, Elizabeth Anne (Ballard) Boyd, who resides in Brentwood, TN with her husband William E. Boyd; grandchildren William Ballard Boyd, age 9; and twins Camilla Ryerson Boyd and Arthur Davis Boyd, age 7. Harry adored his grandchildren and thanked God every day for them. Also surviving are brothers and sisters-in-laws and nieces and nephews.

As a youth Harry spent many summers as a camper and counselor at Camp Monomoy on Cape Cod. He graduated from Bronxville High School in Bronxville, NY and Purdue University. He spent two years on active duty with the Army Signal Corps. After discharge from service he went to the Wharton Graduate Business School earning an MBA. It was during his final term at Wharton that he accepted Jesus as his Savior.

After graduation from Wharton he went to work for the Lincoln Electric Company of Cleveland, Ohio. Lincoln sent him to their Milwaukee office where he met the love of his life, Joanne Martha Dettmann, a school teacher who grew up on a dairy farm in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin. They married on August 13, 1960.

After six years with Lincoln Harry began a 25-year career as an agent with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company working out of the company’s agency in Boston, MA. He and Joanne lived in Medfield with their family. Harry viewed helping the children with school and activities as an investment in their future. The family enjoyed camping and hiking during the summer and downhill skiing in the winter. He served on the Deacon Board of their church in the nearby town of Westwood and was also active in numerous civic organizations. Many happy days were spent skiing with friends at ski venues throughout New England.

Harry sold his insurance business in 1993 and became a representative of Melaleuca, Inc. of Idaho Falls, Idaho where he rose from Marketing Executive to Director. He remained active with Melaleuca until he was 90 years old.

The couple moved to Virginia in 1996 where they built a beautiful home on Smith Mountain Lake near Roanoke. Harry went on mission trips to Ecuador with groups from church. He enjoyed sailing, skiing with the Roanoke Ski Club and hiking with the Appalachian Trail Club.

In 2014 they sold their house at SML and moved to Brentwood, TN to be near Elizabeth and her family. Will, the oldest grandchild was just one year old at the time. Harry continued skiing until 2017 when major surgery ended his skiing days. However, he did undertake a few ski trips with his growing grandchildren where they did most, if not all, the skiing. At this point Harry took up the game of pickle ball which he enjoyed immensely.

Through the years Harry and Joanne loved to travel and vacationed in Europe, Israel, Alaska, Australia, rafting on the Salmon River in Idaho and a windjammer cruise off the coast of Maine.

Harry was a Christian who trusted Jesus who died a sacrificial death on the cross to forgive him of his sins and carry him to heaven.

There will be a visitation September 29, 2022 from 10:00 am until the Celebration of Life 11:00 am all held at Judson Baptist Church located at 4900 Franklin Pike, Nashville, TN 37220.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Judson Baptist Church or a charity of your choice.