May 24, 1956 ~ November 8, 2024
Obituary
Funeral service for Travis “Sam” Ballard, 68, of Woden will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at Laird Funeral Home with Bro. Dale Morton officiating. Interment will follow at Simpson Campground Cemetery in Woden. Visitation will be held from 5-7pm on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at Laird Funeral Home.
Mr. Ballard passed away on Friday, November 8, 2024 in Woden. He was born on May 24, 1956 in Nacogdoches.
Travis Lynn Ballard was the son of Bobbie & Travis Ballard. He spent his entire life in his beloved Woden. He followed in the footsteps of his family and became one of the best loggers in the area. He was known for his exceptional ability to handle anything in the logging woods and was one of the best at running a skidder and sheer. He also took great pride in leaving the properties in the best possible condition.
Sam, as most knew him, was an avid outdoorsman. He loved nothing more than being in the woods hunting, on the lake fishing, or in the pastures tending his cows. He was also a night owl and spent many nights mowing and checking things on the farm, including the Byrd Farm. He was a tough man with an exceptional work ethic, which was instilled in him as a young boy from his father and grandfather, Kirby Ballard. He also enjoyed his naps (especially in the deer stand or his recliner with a grandbaby in his lap).
Sam’s life was filled with many memories, including meeting and marrying his best friend and love of his life, Sheila Holt Ballard. They have spent the past 46 years side by side. Sam loved her with his whole heart. His boys also meant the world to him. He enjoyed many times with each of them and loved them without boundaries. However, when he became a grandfather, he found a new joy and was never happier than he was when they were all around. Sam was a family man and family always come first in his life, and that included Sheila’s family. His nieces and nephews were all special to him as well. Each person, with their own memories in tow, will forever be grateful for having him in their lives and carry on a legacy that only a great man could have left for them.
Sam is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Sheila; sons, Benjamin Ballard, Travis Ballard, Jr. & wife, Tara and Matthew Ballard; grandchildren, Berkley, Hudsyn, Anna, Kadi, Chase, Klayton and Kennedy; brother, David Ballard & wife, Sherry; sister-in-law, Yvonne King & husband, Johnny Mac and brothers-in-law, Ricky Taylor and Bill Holt and wife, Sandy. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and special family member, Darla Wilcox.
He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Nancy Ballard Taylor Shelton and James Ballard and a niece, Heather Ballard Overturf.
Serving as pallbearers will be Pat King, Stephen Wilson, Bill Holt, Johnny Mac King, Justin Morton, Klayton Nelson, Brady Taylor and Lance Taylor.
Honorary pallbearers are Ricky Taylor, Dan Simmons, Carla Akridge, Rick Dorsett, Bodie Colwell, Billy Husband, Michael Martin and Roy Payne.
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