Dennis Lee Ballard

In Loving Memory of Dennis Lee Ballard

July 3, 1961 - June 26, 2026

Dennis Lee Ballard, age 64, of Hillsboro, Texas, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, June 26, 2026, in Waco, Texas, following a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

A Faithful Servant with a Gentle Soul

Dennis was born in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 3, 1961, to Darrell and Betty Ballard. Christ transformed his heart in his early teens at the Pot of Gold Youth Camp. Even so, Dennis had a bit of a wild side with his disco roller skating and motorcycle adventures. But he never lost his desire to follow Christ. Over time, Dennis grew into a gentle soul with a calm demeanor, and a big heart. He was a good and faithful servant who loved the Lord and used his unique talents to sing and play the piano to His glory. He would do anything he could to help someone in need.

Dennis was a fixture of the community at Central Baptist Church, where he worked devotedly for over 20 years as the church caretaker. He even sang in the church choir for a while. His prior work experiences included skilled hands-on jobs in plumbing and flooring installation.

A relentless fixer and creator, Dennis loved anything mechanical. His life motivation was determining how to build and/or rebuild all types of things. As an example, one passionate project was building his very own ultralight aircraft one phase at a time, working out the necessary dynamics. He also built storage structures and worked on folk's automobiles. When he was not working on mechanics or music, Dennis appreciated the simple pleasures of life, most notably his favorite treats: chocolate sauce, trips to Whataburger, and a Taco Casa Spicy Bean Burrito extra-loaded with Green Sauce.

When he began dating his wife-to-be Paula, Dennis knew she was the one and needed her to be exclusively his and told her so! He had a Christ-like love for her and others. He lovingly accepted Paula's daughter and her children as his own. Dennis and Paula were married for 25 years.

Loved Ones Left Behind

Dennis leaves behind a large, loving family who will miss his quiet strength and joyful spirit daily. He is survived by:

• His beloved wife of 25 years, Paula Ballard of Hillsboro, TX

• His loving parents, Darrell and Betty Ballard of Covington, TX

• His devoted daughter, Monica Marie Carr (husband Stephen Bruce Carr), their sons, Christopher Ryan Carr, and Zachary Trenton Carr (wife Savannah and daughter Liliana (Lily) Alexandria Carr), all of Orlando, FL

• His brother Darren Ballard (wife Cathleen) of Greensburg, PA, their sons Jacob Ballard (wife Brittany and children Jaina & Benjamin) of Irwin, PA, and Nathan Ballard (wife Monica) of Summerville, SC

• His sister Penny Bishop (husband Gary) of Fort Worth, TX, her children Hannah Beltran (husband Caleb and their son Teo) of Cleburne, TX, and Noah Nors of Hillsboro, TX

• His aunt Beverly Watson, widow of Dudley Watson, whom Dennis worked with in his Hillsboro business and who taught Dennis the trade of plumbing

• His uncle, Lee Ballard of Celina, TX

• His brother-in-law, Billy Nors of Hillsboro, TX, who's kindness made an unbearable journey feel a little lighter

• His sister-in-laws, Paulette Bledsoe (husband Larry) of Peoria, and Carolyn Sue Jean of Granbury, who provided their loving support

• A host of extended family and dear cousins, including his cousin Jackie Stafford, whose compassionate assistance with his Hospice care was an immense blessing to the family.

Services and Arrangements

The family will receive friends and loved ones for a time of visitation on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors in Hillsboro.

A celebration of Dennis's life and faith will take place on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Central Baptist Church in Hillsboro. Following the service, Dennis will be laid to rest at Peoria Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers you may donate to the Ascension Providence Foundation not-for-profit Hospice at:

Ascension Providence Foundation

6901 Medical Parkway

Waco, Texas 76645 or call: 254-751-4762

Special Thanks

The family would like to extend special thanks to the following:

• Pastor Darrel Beggs and Central Baptist Church for their gracious and many ways of supporting Dennis and Paula during their time of need. Dennis loved y'all so much!

• Peoria Baptist Church for their generosity

• Pam Dale and her daughter Heather for all their love and support

• Marquita and Greg Ray for their kindness and generosity