Willard Dale Ballard, Jr.

Willard D. Ballard Jr., of Oregon, Ohio, passed away on Thursday January 14, 2021.

Will was born in Toledo, Ohio on February 20, 1949 to Willard Sr. and Marie Ballard. He graduated from Bedford High School in 1967 and went on to work for GM Powertrain for 36 years. After retiring from GM, Will stayed active by working at the Maumee Bay Golf Course, where he developed his affinity for keeping his own lawn as tidy as the greens. He was an avid bowler, a jokester, and skilled at car restoration and body work. He will always be remembered for his jovial personality and making his mother’s buttermilk pancakes for Sunday family breakfasts. In his downtime, you could find Will in his favorite recliner, watching UM football, his “grand dog” Addie or his cat Callie nearby.

Will is survived by Nancy, his loving wife of 34 years; his children Laura (Greg), Robert (Dee), Kerri and Veronica (Trevor); his grandchildren Kaytee, Matthew, Jasmine, Brendan, Devin, Ellie, and Molly; his great-grandchildren Alexis, Addison, and Noelani; and his siblings Barbara, Louise, and Alan. Will was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, a brother, and a great-granddaughter. Will leaves behind many close and cherished friends.

Family and friends may visit the Freck Funeral Chapel at 1155 S. Wynn Rd. in Oregon, on Friday, January 22, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. where the funeral service will be held at 7:00 p.m. A private burial will take place at a later date, where Will will be laid to rest at the North Oregon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to Wounded Warrior Project, Humane Ohio or American Cancer Society.

Guests are encouraged to celebrate Will’s life and love of UM football by wearing their favorite collegiate gear to his service.