Willie Dial Ballard, of Pocahontas, passed peacefully at his home on October 8, 2026. He was born September 27, 1957, to Buster Ballard and Elizabeth Burke Ballard. He leaves behind a wife of 50 years, Carolyn Kay Camp Ballard, a daughter, Amanda Kay Ballard Taylor, a son, Billy Joe Ballard, and a son-in-law, Auren Taylor, who he loved like his own.

He also leaves behind brothers Richard Ballard and Dave (Evangeline) Ballard; sisters Mary Schales, Glynda (Jim) Miller, Bonnie (Johnny) Johnson, and Jenny (Tom) Freeman; and many nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

Throughout his life, he has worked at Waterloo, Magee’s, and drove a school bus for Maynard Schools and was everyone’s favorite bus driver. He ran a chicken farm for twenty years before his retirement. He had a big heart, loved the outdoors, and music.

He was a favorite uncle, a wonderful dad, husband, and a man of faith.

Services will be held at Eternal Serenity Funeral Home in Pocahontas on Saturday, October 17, 2026, with visitation from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm, with the funeral proceeding at 1:00 pm. Interment will be at Shiloh Cemetery in Pocahontas.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Gary Bartlett, Auren Taylor, Joshua Lee, Matthew Lee, Ricky Ballard, and Derek Ballard. Honorary pallbearers are David Ballard, Edgar Bartlett, and Gary Wayne Bartlett.