Carley Ballard, 85, died on September 17, 2026, at his home in the Old Union community after an extended illness. He was born on January 15, 1941, in Jackson, MS to Ernest Carl Ballard and Mary Inez Willis Ballard, the ninth of fourteen children including a twin brother. Carley was known for his strong work ethic which started early at the age of twelve by driving tractors after school and at night for area farmers. He took extra classes and graduated high school early but declined a college basketball scholarship. He instead moved to Aurora, Illinois and worked for Caterpillar for over 10 years, starting at the age of 17. While still working, he took computer classes and returned to the Tupelo area after being hired by Super Sagless to set up their inventory control system. He later worked for Southern Metal Services selling steel coils.
In 1981, Carley, Tommy Lauderdale and Jim Bert Lauderdale founded Shannon Steel Service in Shannon, MS. The business specializes in processing and selling steel strips to steel warehouses across the southeast. Carley worked at Shannon Steel until his health declined, eventually passing his responsibilities to his son, Carl. The business continues to operate today, having grown to utilize four buildings, six trucks, and 21 employees.
Carley was a very active member of West Main Church of Christ in Tupelo where he was involved in multiple church programs and activities, especially with the young people. The annual high-speed hayrides he pulled with his ’86 Blazer became legendary.
Carley coached his children’s sports teams including T-ball, basketball and soccer. He later enjoyed watching them compete in basketball, tennis, and bowling at the local, state, and national level. Carley was an avid fan of stock car racing. He and Patsy spent many weekends at local races, and he rarely missed a NASCAR race on TV. Carley loved spending time outdoors and working around his property. He could often be found working on his tractors, mowers, and El Caminos.
A celebration of life service will be held at 4 PM Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors in Tupelo. Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 19 from 4 to 6 PM and on Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 3 PM until service time. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at hollandfuneraldirectors.com/ Live-streaming.
Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Patsy Kennedy Ballard; his children, Mike Ballard of St. Louis, MO, Carla Smith (Dewayne), Carl Ballard (Hollie) and Patrick Ballard (Makenzie) all of Old Union; grandchildren, Ashleigh Ballard and Caitlynn Robinson (Zak) both of Corinth, Ben Smith, Chris Smith, Carlie Ballard and Kenzie Ballard all of Old Union; great-grandchildren, Oaklynn and Kyzer Robinson of Corinth; sister, Charlene Centanni Rogers (Randy) of Lafayette, LA; sisters-in-law Judy Greene Ballard of Tupelo and Ruth Jane Ballard of Conyers, GA.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Norma Sue Ballard, brothers Charlie Ballard, Paul Ballard, Carl Ballard, Jim Ballard and William Ballard, and by his sisters, Ruth Bruce, Mary Gordon, Ernestine Wilson, Ann Hill, Pat Warren, Judy Jones and Sally Harrison.
Pallbearers are Jacob Lindsey, Gary Lauderdale, Chris Gurner, Bert Lauderdale, Charles Rogers, Bob Llewellyn, Chuck Tharp, and Tollie White. Honorary pallbearers are Tommy Lauderdale, Jim Bert Lauderdale, and all current and former employees of Shannon Steel Service.
The family would like to thank his caregiver and friend, Kat Terry for over two years of excellent care and companionship. Kat was instrumental in helping the family keep him happy, healthy, and at home, where he most wanted to be.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the West Main Church of Christ Playground Fund, 2460 West Main St., Tupelo, MS 38801.
