Lyle Gordon Ballard, age 80 of Oak Ridge passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, July 13, 2011. He was born in Pearson, Oklahoma to Ralph and Mary Ballard on April 25, 1931. He was an active member of Black Oak Baptist Church in Clinton. He served in the U. S. Air Force from 1950 through 1954. He attended Kansas State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. After a career as a service technician for business machines, he worked in real estate from 1989 until his retirement in 2000.
He was an avid gardener and woodworker and especially enjoyed bird watching from his back deck with family and friends. His four grandchildren were the joy of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Phyllis Bickford.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Edna Ballard; his daughter, Carol Jean Berry & husband Ray of Kingsport, IN; son, Richard Ballard & wife Carol of Vienna, WV; and daughter, Mary Ballard of the home; grandchildren, Adam Berry of Johnson City, TN, Amanda Mendoza & husband Cesar of Knoxville, Katie Pozzuoli & husband Joe of Zanesville, Ohio, Mollie Ballard of Vienna, WV; brother, Walter and wife Jean of Baxter Springs, Kansas and numerous nieces & nephews.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 24, 2011 from 5-6PM at Black Oak Baptist Church in Clinton with a memorial service to follow at 6:00PM with Dr. Larry Pugh officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in his memory to Black Oak Baptist Church, 236 Black Oak Road, Clinton, Tennessee 37716 or to their favorite charity. www.holleygamblefh.com