John Ballard

Funeral services for Mr. John Lee Ballard, age 86 of Monterey, will be held Friday November 25th at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Horner Funeral Home. Rev. Eugene McCowan will officiate. Interment will follow in Welch Memorial Cemetery. His family will receive friends Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and again Friday from 9 a.m. until service time at the funeral home. Mr. Ballard died Monday afternoon November 21, 2016 at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. He was born August 22,1930 in Smith County, Tennessee to the late Charlie Cecil and Mecie Clemmons Ballard. John served his country as a member of the U. S. Army and was a Veteran of the Korean Conflict. He worked as a heavy equipment operator for the Smith and Wilson County Highway departments. He was a minister with the Church of God and attended Mineral Springs Freewill Baptist Church. A big talker, he loved to laugh and tell stories and especially enjoyed fishing. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Jessie Lee Ballard; brother, Charles Ballard; and by daughter-in-law, Pam Key. Survivors include his wife, Roberta Ward Key Ballard; sons, Sam (Tony) Key, Kenneth (Donna) Key, Robert Key, Paul Key, Tommy (Tammy) Key, Gary Wayne (Marsha) Key and Randall (Rose) Key; daughters, Carolyn (James) Humphries, Cathy (Carl) Smith, Jeanette (Roy) Greenwood, and Jo Ann (Thomas) Light; brothers, William "Bill" Ballard and Howard Ballard; sister, Hattie Marie Brown; and by several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Horner Funeral Home in charge of arrangements (931) 839-2266. You may share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.