Dennis Howard Ballard, age 75, unexpectedly passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Beckie, and their two dogs, Bridget and Little Man. He also leaves behind his two sisters, Carol and Gail, and his two children, Dennis Jr. and Renee, along with three grandchildren.
Dennis was born in Jonesboro, AR on March 29, 1949 to Howard Francis Ballard and Silvia Beatrice (Thorne). He grew up in beautiful Arkansas, where he dreamed of returning. Dennis joined the Navy in1969 right out of high school and served until 1972. Following Vietnam, he moved to Michigan where he married and had two children. Dennis worked at Kelsey-Hayes as an assembly line worker.
Dennis met his wife, Beckie, in 1987. They spent their time dancing the nights away at Lucille's and enjoying camping together with their dogs, finally marrying in 1992.
After his early retirement, Dennis spent many years enjoying his days with his wife and his many hobbies, including hunting and fishing with his son and good friends, carpentry and woodworking, and photography of flowers and their dogs. He enjoyed staying home with his music and lovely view of their property. We know he is enjoying the reunion with our loved ones that went before us, including Jake, Zachary, Charles, Jessie, and Charlie Girl and Cooper. Dennis will be missed.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 12, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, where the family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Interment will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI on Monday, July 15, 2024.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.
