July 13, 1942 - Sept. 13, 2015

Ronald L. Ballard, 73, passed away in his home Sunday, September 13, 2015.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jerry, in 2004, by his son, Terry Simison and granddaughter, Heather Simison in 2010 and his parents, Albert and Josephine Ballard and stepmother, Geraldine Ballard.

He is survived by his children, Max (Irene) Simison, Johnnie Simison, Rhonda (Kyle) Gottschammer, Jerry (Laura) Ballard; his daughter-in-law, Mrs. Terry "Linda" Simison; and special daughters, Charlie (Mark) Adams and Ketra (Brad) Estes; twenty-two grandchildren, Brent (Tracy), Stacey (Nick), Corey, Nick, Julie, Amanda, Ronald, Brittany, Samantha, Marcus, Johnnie Jr. (Karen), Adam (Megan), Cassie (Jake), Miranda, Tressa, Morgan, Dylan, David, Jenna, Henry, Emma and Elizabeth; and fifteen great-grandchildren; two siblings, Thomas (Donna) Ballard and Sandy (David) Hadley; brother and sisters-in-law, Steve Smith, Paula Tassen and Pam (Skip) Landry; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Born July 13, 1942, and was a graduate of Thorntown High School Class of 1961.  Ron servedin the Indiana National Guard from January 1964 to January 1970, and moved to Anderson in 1965. He married Jerry (Smith) Simison, November 26, 1970. In 2003, he retired from Leath Furniture after serving 30 years as lead delivery driver and then warehouse manager.

Ron enjoyed jazz music, scenic drives, anything John Wayne and was proud Golden Eagle member of the NRA and Teamsters #135. He will be greatly missed by many.

Visitation will be Thursday, September 17, 2015 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service. The funeral will be September 18, at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home with Brother Jason Alexander officiating. Burial will follow at Huntsville Cemetery in Huntsville.

Memorial contributions may be given to Down Syndrome Association.