  Ona Mae Ballard 1947 - 2013 Ona Mae Lee Ballard passed away
Tuesday, August 20th in Sherman, Texas.
Ona was born June 13, 1947 in Maverick,
TX. She is survived by her devoted husband
of 36 years, J.D. Ballard, her children
Sharon Ballard of Falls Church, VA., Don
Ballard of Austin, TX, and her brother,
Baily Lee of Maverick, TX. She was
preceded in death by her parents, Alto and
Grace Lee, and 6 brothers and sisters. She
was salutatorian of Norton Rural High
School, earned her undergraduate degree
from Texas Tech University and attended
graduate school at Texas Women's
University. Ona retired in Johnson County
as an AgriLife Extension Agent for the
Texas Agricultural Extension Service in
1995. Johnson County recognized her
community contributions by declaring an
"Ona Ballard Day". She was also honored as
State Extension Agent of the Year. She was
an 18-year resident of Van Alstyne, TX
where she was an active member of the
First Christian Church and involved in
several civic and community activities.
Ona was an avid reader, quilter, antique
hunter, and life-long learner. She was
curious about all things related to
current events. Ona loved family history
and exploring history and culture. She was
a member of the Van Alstyne Culture Club,
Quilt Guild, Mantua Book Club, and
Christian Women's Fellowship. Ona was
inducted in the National Society of the
Daughters of the American Revolution where
she served in the Martha Randolph
Jefferson Chapter. Ona had many friends
and will be remembered for her
determination, bravery, and steadfast
loyalty. Services will be held on
Saturday, August 24th at 10:00 am at the
First Christian Church in Van Alstyne, TX.
Visitation will be held at Scoggins
Funeral Home on Friday, August 23rd from
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers,
donations may be made to the First
Christian Church Memorial Fund. Services
are under the direction of Scoggins
Funeral Home, 637 W Van Alstyne Parkway,
Van Alstyne, Texas.
 Jimmy Douglas "J.D." Ballard
passed away at his home on Ballard Road in
Van Alstyne, Texas on August 14, 2021.
J.D., born October 3, 1937, was the son to
Garland and Ruby Ballard of Van Alstyne,
TX. He graduated from Van Alstyne High
School in 1956. He went on to earn his
undergraduate degree from East Texas State
University eventually earning his Master
of Science, Agronomy. In the early part of
his life he also served in the United
States Air Force Reserves. J.D. married
his first wife Lynn Mullinix, née Davis in
1961 and had 2 children, Sharon and Don.
J.D. had a 30-year career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Soil Conservation Service that kept him close to the land and helping others. J.D. served the communities of Fannin and Johnson Counties assisting farmers, ranchers, families and students. He was well-known for helping F.F.A. students with grass judging competitions. He was also a member of the Kiwanis Club in Cleburne, TX serving in many leadership roles over the years, including President and being named "Outstanding Kiwanian". While in Cleburne, J.D. met and married Ona Ballard, née Lee in 1977 where they lived until their retirement. J.D. loved working on his farm, especially alongside his brother Gary. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, sports, researching genealogy, and reading mystery and suspense. J.D. wanted most of all to be outside in the field or in his gardens. He never met a plant that he didn't like. You could count on J.D. knowing all about plants, propagating new ones, learning about them, or bringing you one. His interest and curiosity about all varieties of life was abundant. J.D. treasured the Van Alstyne community and especially the school sports teams. He was a regular in the stands, and he supported the youth anytime they were playing. He was also active in the community. Upon his retirement, he returned to Van Alstyne and immediately began serving. He was elected several times to the South Grayson Special Utility District and was a member of the Van Alstyne Economic Development Board, among others. He was devoted to First Christian Church, and the family of God. Finding time to visit with people every day, he loved all his friends and family. J.D. was preceded in death by his wife Ona Ballard, his parents, and his grandparents Herbert and Dade Ballard of Sedalia, TX and Albert and Alma Spain of Van Alstyne, TX. He is survived by his children Sharon Ballard (Carol) of Falls Church, VA; Don Ballard of Austin, TX; and Lynn Mullinix (mother of his children and close friend) of Van Alstyne, TX; brother Gary Ballard (Marguerite) of Van Alstyne, TX, and brother-in-law Bailey Lee of Norton, TX.  Van Alstyne Cemetery Susan Hawkins ©2025 If you find any of Grayson CountyTXGenWeb links inoperable, please send me a message. |