Ray W. Ballard, Jr. departed this life on October 25, 2023, just a few days after his 72nd birthday. Born in Asheville, NC to the late Ray W. Ballard, Sr. and Nora Stewart Ballard on October 21, 1951, he was raised in Hampton, VA.  Ray attended Kecoughtan High School and graduated from Pembroke High School. He had a long career in heating and cooling, most notably as a contractor at NASA.

Ray enjoyed fishing and the outdoors. He was a funny, quiet man with a kind heart.   A real family man: he will be incredibly missed by his wife of over 51 years, Sharan Hayes Ballard. Also left to cherish his memory are two daughters, Rachel Vogeley (Kevin) and Brooke Ballard (former spouse Tim Elliott) and four beloved grandchildren: Emily Elliott, Charlie Vogeley, Judd Vogeley and Elizabeth Elliott.

He is survived by his brother, Edward Ballard (Debra); sisters-in-law, Susan Hayes and Carol Hayes (George Nichols); and brother-in-law Jimmy Hayes (Bonnie); and many beloved nieces and nephews, and their families. He had many dearly departed friends, and many remaining who will miss him greatly.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his in-laws Cledith and Jane Hayes; and brother-in-law, Neal Hayes who we know were waiting to greet him with a big smile.

Per Ray's wishes, there will be no formal services. The family will privately celebrate his life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making an anonymous act of kindness in memory of him.