James “Dick” Floyd Ballenger was born October 10, 1930 to James Pious Ballenger and Ludie Mae Dean Ballenger. He is the fifth of nine children. He is preceded in death by his parents, and siblings: Freeman Ballenger, Joy Mae Phillips, Mardie Phillips, Delanie Ballenger, Doris Butler, Hazel Stevens, and Syble Lou Ballenger. He is survived by his younger brother, Lecil Ballenger.
He married the love of his life, Zelma Ballenger, on December 10, 1949. Zelma went on to be with the Lord on September 15, 2006 and they are now reunited. They have six surviving children: Douglas Ballenger (Sheila), Mary Lou Myrick, Betty Faye Brown (Kevin), Barbara Ann Phillips (Charles “Shot”), Cecil “Dobber” Ballenger, and Timothy Ballenger (Ashley).
He is also survived by grandchildren, Chris Ballenger (Joy), James Crumpton (Jamie), Vickie Wash (Mark), Julie Russell, Micheal Myrick (Diane), Jeremy Ballenger (Stephanie), Charles Phillips (Crystal), Angie Ballenger, Little Man Whitlow (Linzey), Elisha Garner (Joey), Jarrod Graham (Deann), Matt Graham, Nick Pettit, Lillie Cannon, Chloe Williams, and Amanda Scott; 36 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his son-in-love, Gene Myrick, and grandchildren James Wayne Myrick, and Sherry Myrick.
Dick spent more than forty years as a coal miner and continued as an active member of the United Mine Workers of American (UMWA) until his death. He was a member of Dilworth Freewill Baptist Church.
Dick enjoyed a healthy, active, and independent 90 years. He became ill Monday, April 5th. He passed peacefully on Tuesday, April 13th at St. Vincent’s hospital surrounded by family and friends.
Visitation will be at New Horizon Funeral home on Sunday, April 18th from 1:30 – 2:30, followed by graveside service at Dilworth cemetery at 3:00. Lisha Kay Camp and Bobby Lane will officiate. Pallbearers are Little Man Whitlow, James Crumpton, Micheal Myrick, Sr., Mark Wash,Sr., Jeremy Ballenger, Justin Russell, and Mason Stewart.
