Clarence Ballard

Clarence “Sonny” Ballard Jr., 77, of Benton Harbor passed away Saturday October 6, 2012, at Kindred Hospital of Northern Indiana in Mishawaka, Indiana. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks and Menchinger Chapel in St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital. Those wishing to sign Sonny’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Sonny was born September 5, 1935 in Blythville Arkansas to Clarence & Thelma (Thompson) Ballard. On August 25, 1956 he married the former Barbara Bowers in Benton Harbor. After working 31 years at Clark Equipment as a lift truck driver, he retired in 1986. Following his retirement, he was a security guard for 20 years for Seven Trees Security at Whirlpool. Sonny enjoyed bowling at Blossom Lanes, expressing his opinions by writing letters to the editor, having coffee with his brothers and friends, and was an avid Yankee fan. He will be remembered as a devoted husband to his wife, and as an adoring father, grandfather, and great grandfather to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Sonny’s family was his life. Sonny is survived by his wife Barbara; his two daughters, Carrie & Annette Ballard of Benton Harbor; three grandchildren, April (Walter) Mitchell of Benton Harbor; Shannon Ballard of Benton Harbor; and Anthony Ballard of Benton Harbor; three great grandchildren, Walter “Willie” Mitchell of Benton Harbor; Calvin Mitchell of Benton Harbor; and DeMarKus “D.J.” Williams-Hill Jr. of Benton Harbor; two brothers, Jack (Joan) Ballard of Benton Harbor; Larry (Linda) Ballard of Benton Harbor; two sister-in-laws, Julie Ballard of Benton Harbor; Neva (Tommy) Quinn of New York State, six nieces, Cheryl (Michael) Healy of Madison, Kentucky; Pam (David) Galbo of New York State; Marline of South Bend, Jody Ballard of Benton Harbor; Gina of Benton Harbor; and Tracer, two nephews, Michael & Jimmy Ballard of Benton Harbor, and special friends Lee & Barbara Aldrich of Sodus, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother William Ballard, and two sisters, Peggy LaMonte & Betty Ann Weatherly, niece Terry Hare, and April Mitchell’s father Perry Aldrich, III.