Larry Wayne Ballard , 67, of Center, passed away Sunday, June 12, 2016, in Center.

Funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 14, 2016, at First Baptist Church in Center with Bro. Carl Smith, Bro. John Bender and Bro. Josh Sanford officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Mr. Ballard was born February 7, 1949, in Center, to L.G. Ballard and Lola Mae LaFitte Ballard. He graduated Center High School in 1967 and attended Stephen F. Austin State University. In 1969, Mr. Ballard married the love of his life, Marilyn, who he fell in love with at the age of 15. Together, they raised three daughters. Mr. Ballard loved his church and his family. He enjoyed spending time as "Poppy" with his five grandchildren and having coffee with his many friends. Mr. Ballard was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Center. He served as a deacon since 1978, and pioneered the media ministry of First Baptist Church to bring the services to the community. He was a member of Center Sam Samford Masonic Lodge. He was also active in his community by serving on Center's Planning and Zoning Committee as well as being a Shelby County Leadership Participant.

He is survived by
Wife of 46 years: Marilyn Ballard of Center

Daughters:
Kimberley Shofner and husband, Paul, of Jacksonville
Tracy Gould and fiancé, Corey Wood, of Tyler
Amy Roach and husband, Kyle, of Bullard

Grandchildren:
Katelin Gould of Tyler
Connor Shofner of Jacksonville
Reagan Shofner of Jacksonville
Bailey Kurtz of Bullard
Lainey Kurtz of Bullard

Brother: Louis Ballard of Iowa

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives

A host of friends

Preceded in death by
Parents: L.G. Ballard and Lola Mae LaFitte Ballard

Pallbearers will be Kyle Roach, Paul Shofner, Corey Wood, Bailey Kurtz, Connor Shofner, Ted Hopkins, Delbert Beckham, Alan Minter and David Minter. Honorary pallbearers will be McNeil Moore, Gene Walker, David Koonce, Todd Albert, Scott Shamblin, Bill Stegall and First Baptist Church Deacons.