Rue Nick Ballard, age 78, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 19, 2026, at Alive Hospice in Nashville, Tennessee, after a battle with an aggressive prostate cancer, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on February 3, 1948, in Red Bay, Alabama, Nick grew up with a lifelong love for the country and a deep pride in his Alabama roots. Though he called Springfield, Tennessee home since 1989, his heart always held a special place for the family farm back in Red Bay.
Nick earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama in 1971, cementing a lifelong devotion to Crimson Tide football. Education was deeply important to Nick, and making sure his children had access to a great education was always a top priority in his life.
Following college, Nick applied his sharp mind and remarkable organization skills to a multi-decade career as an expert in plant management. He spent decades supervising manufacturing operations across textiles, clothing, sewing factories, and bath fashions.
Nick was married to his first wife, Sharon (Underwood) Goodchild, with whom he shared his first three children: Rod, Todd, and Nikki. Throughout his life, Sharon remained an important part of his story and family history. Later, Nick married his wife, Rosa Figueroa Ballard, expanding his family with Joseph and Miguel. Rosa became his steadfast companion and pillar of strength, remaining devotedly by his side during his fight against cancer.
Spirited, smart, stubborn, and an occasional worrier, Nick was above all a man who lived with dedication and style. He insisted on looking sharp wherever he went whether attending holiday gatherings, running daily errands, or heading to a doctor’s appointment. An avid marathon runner, he treasured the miles and memories shared with his running buddies. In his quiet time, he could often be found lost in a good book, enjoying a classic Western, playing his guitar, or listening to obscure bands no one else had ever heard of.
Nick possessed a true appreciation for life’s simple pleasures: homemade pizza, collard greens, and buttermilk and cornbread.
Nothing brought Nick greater joy than his family. He was immensely proud of his children and took every opportunity to brag about their achievements and successes.
Funeral service will be Saturday, October 24, 2026, 3 p.m. at Deaton Funeral Home Chapel, Red Bay, AL. Visitation will be Saturday, October 24, 2026, 1:00-3:00 p.m, at Deaton Funeral Home in Red Bay, AL. Following the service, a family burial will take place at Bethlehem Cemetery in Hamilton, AL. Deaton Funeral Home, Red Bay, AL will be in charge of arrangements. A celebration of life will also be held in Springfield, Tennessee later this year for his local friends and community.
He is survived by his wife, Rosa Ballard; the mother of his eldest children, Sharon Goodchild; his children, Rodrick “Rod” Brent Ballard and wife Corey, Anthony “Todd” Ballard and wife Jodi, Nikki Suzzanne Ballard and husband Sam Younger, Joseph Alexander Ballard, and Miguel Morales; his brother, Hugh Mack Ballard of Red Bay, Alabama, and brother-in-law Wayne Faust; his niece, Kellie Henson, and nephew, Derek Faust. He leaves behind a proud legacy in his cherished grandchildren: Callie Ballard, Addie Ballard, Tate Ballard, Emri Ballard, and Samuel Rue Younger; and his great-grandchildren, Kylan and Rylan.
Nick was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph P. Ballard and Prebble O. Inman, and his sister, Wanda A. Faust.
Memorial Donations
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Nick’s memory to either of the following organizations:
Alive Hospice (in gratitude for their exceptionally kind care)
Online: https://alivehospice.org/get-involved/give/
By Mail: Alive Hospice, Attn: Development, 1718 Patterson Street, Nashville, TN 37203
Prostate Cancer Foundation
Online: https://www.pcf.org/donate-today/
By Mail: Prostate Cancer Foundation, 1250 Fourth Street, Santa Monica, CA
