of Marianna, AR

May 20, 1934 - August 7, 2023

Charles Wilbert ''Buddy'' Ballard passed away August 7, 2023 at Forrest City Hospital. He was born May 20, 1934 to John and Neva Hawk Ballard. He was born and raised in Holub Crossing, Arkansas, where as a teenager he took over the farming at the home place. He met the love of his life, Wanda Woodruff and they were married on June 26, 1953. In his early 20's he worked for Rowton Candy Co., where he drove a delivery truck all across Lee, Phillips and Monroe Counties. Buddy and Wanda purchased the store at Smith's Corner, where they lived and operated the store for several years. After they sold the store they moved back to the home place at Holub Crossing and Buddy went to work for Bruce Ritchie Motor Company, where he started selling vehicles. He remained in car sales until his retirement in the early to mid 90's. After he retired he had a mowing business for many years. He was a lifetime member of Wall Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Neva Ballard; his beloved wife, Wanda, of 63 years; his sister, Thelma Jones of Holub Crossing; his sister, Vada Minick of Little Rock; a sister, Margie Cox of Parkdale, AR; one brother, George Ballard of Marianna and one grandson, Jason Brooks. He is survived by his three children, Rita Brooks (Greg), Charles Wayne ''Charlie'' Ballard (Terri) and James Louis ''Jamie'' Ballard (Angela); 10 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home in Marianna, Arkansas. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Burial will follow services at Salem Cemetery. Family and friends may view and sign online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/Marianna.

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