Alvin Andrew Ballard, lovingly known as Andy, age 87, of Detroit, AL passed away surrounded by the love of his family on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 6:00pm from the Detroit Church of Christ with burial to follow in the Friendship North Cemetery. Bro. Gavin Bearden and Bro. Garrett McDonald to officiate. Visitation will be held at the church prior to the funeral service from 5:00pm until 6:00pm.
Pallbearers: Carl Ballard, Garrett McDonald, Andrew Gunn, Jack Gunn, Chase Ballard, Chanse Ballard, Isaac Mize, Aaron Ledbetter
Honorary Pallbearers: Steve Hopkins, Dennis Collier, Joel Collier, Mark Collier, Billy Black, Doug Ballard, Steve Ballard, Kenny Ballard, Heath Guin. Darryl Cannon, Jonathan Tate, Marty Tate, Lee Knight
Alvin Andrew Ballard, lovingly known as Andy, passed away surrounded by the love of his family on July 11, 2026. He was born on October 25, 1938, to the late Carl and Birdie Ellis Ballard. On July 30, 1960, Andy married the love of his life, Mary Elaine Ballard. Together they shared 65 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, family, and hard work. Their union was blessed with two children, the late Cathy Ann Ballard and Bret Ballard. Andy was a lifelong resident of Detroit, Alabama and a faithful member of the Detroit Church of Christ, where his quiet faith and Christian example were evident throughout his life. He dedicated many years of service to NTN-Bower in Hamilton, Alabama, where he worked until his retirement. Andy believed in honest work and took great pride in providing for his family. He found his greatest joy outdoors. Whether tending his garden, farming, riding his four-wheeler around the farm, or spending time on his beloved John Deere tractor, Andy was happiest with the sunshine on his face and the land beneath his feet. More than anything, he treasured time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought immeasurable joy to his life.
Andy was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Birdie Ellis Ballard; his beloved wife, Mary Elaine Ballard; his daughter, Cathy Ann Ballard; his sisters, Flonoy Ballard Guthery, Ann Ballard Knight, and Tommie Lee Ballard Ray; and his brother, Jim Ballard.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Bret and Shannon Ballard of Greenwood Springs, Mississippi; his sister, Janice Tate of Hamilton, Alabama; and his cherished grandchildren: Andrew (Allison) Gunn of Birmingham, Alabama; Carl Andrew Ballard of Tupelo, Mississippi; Jordan (Aaron) Ledbetter of Hamilton, Alabama; Garrett (Camille) McDonald of Gray, Tennessee; Krissa Mae Smith of Amory, Mississippi; Jeremy Chase (Hanna) Ballard of Sherman, Mississippi; and Joshua Chanse Ballard of Greenwood Springs, Mississippi. He also leaves behind his treasured great-grandchildren: Jack, Will, Mary, and Virginia Gunn; Banks and Jerni McDonald; Isaac Mize; Mac Ledbetter; and Mary Katherine Davis. As well as beloved sister-in-law and brother-in-law Sandy (Steve) Hopkins. In addition, he is survived by a host of loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss him greatly.
Andy will be remembered as a hardworking man of integrity, a faithful Christian, a devoted husband and father, a proud grandfather and great-grandfather, and someone who found joy in God’s creation. His legacy of faith, love, humility, and dedication to family will live on in all who were blessed to know him. “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:23
