Darrell Stephen Ballard

Mr. Darrell Stephen Ballard went home to be with His precious Lord on April 19, 2014. His six year heroic battle with brain cancer was a testimony of faith and trust in God that has been a blessing and inspiration to all who knew and loved him. Darrell Stephen Ballard was born on November 07, 1955 in China Grove, NC. Steve is survived by his wife, Mrs. Janet K. Ballard; and his daughters, Elizabeth Anne and Sarah Rebekah, his parents, Darrell and Doris Ballard; his brothers, Anthony and Tommy Ballard. He was preceded in death by his infant son, Daniel Winslow Ballard and his older brother, Rodney Galen Ballard. Growing up in Kannapolis, he was known by his friends and neighbors to be a delightfully mischievous boy who loved cats and playing outside. In 1979, he graduated from Appalachian State University where he received a degree in graphic arts. After receiving his teaching credentials from A&T University, Steve was asked by the Vocational Director of Kannapolis City schools to teach graphics. His 20 years at A. L. Brown High were followed by 3 years as a CDC at Salisbury High with 2 more years at Central Cabarrus High in Concord, NC. Those who taught alongside him enjoyed his sense of humor, valued his commitment to friendship, and admired his strong work ethic. Steve married Janet King on December 20, 1986. Together they have enjoyed rearing their two beautiful daughters. Even in sickness, his concern for others and his self-effacing sense of humor permitted those who loved him to be lighthearted in the face of certain grief. His greatest joy was the privileges of seeing his daughters grow up. Our hearts will ever be encouraged by his earnest mealtime prayers, his silly kitchen dances and his stubborn refusal to let anyone buy him lunch. We are rejoicing to know that, with the exception of paying for lunch, his prayers and dances will continue through eternity until we join him there. In appreciation of its support of Janet in the care of her husband, the family request donations be given to Back Creek Christian Academy at 1827 Back Creek Church Rd., Charlotte, N.C. 28213 in lieu of flowers. After a private burial, a memorial service celebrating the life of Steve Ballard will take place Tuesday evening, April 22, 2014, at 7:00 pm at Back Creek Reformed Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends prior from 5:30 " 7:00pm. 4/22/2014 05:30 PM 07:00 PM Visitation Back Creek Presbyterian Church 4/22/2014 07:00 PM Memorial Back Creek Presbyterian Church