John Thomas "Tommy" Ballard

John Thomas “Tommy” Ballard, 86, of LaGrange, Kentucky, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on April 30, 2026. He was born August 12, 1939, in LaGrange to the late John Hilary Ballard and Beatrice Sutherland Ballard.

Tommy lived by the values of God, family and hard work. He was a proud patriot who loved his country and community. Above all, he was most proud of his four children and the families they built together. He instilled in his children the value of being independent and capable.

Tommy began working at a very young age holding a variety of jobs including delivering newspapers, positions at the local grocery store and funeral home. Tommy's career included working at L&N Railroad, Clayton and Lambert, ultimately retiring from the Ford Truck Plant. After retirement, he owned three hay farms, raised cattle and continued building the life he loved.

Tommy was a lifelong University of Kentucky fan who attended games dating back to the 1960s. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping in Kentucky State Parks, gardening, archery, racing and riding motorcycles. He had an enthusiasm for hot rods, drag races, leather working and mountain man festivals. Tommy loved playing the guitar, hosting many jam sessions and singing with family and friends. He shared all of these passions with a multitude of lifelong friends and never met a stranger.

Tommy served his community as a Little League baseball and football coach, volunteer firefighter and one of the first certified EMT's in Kentucky. He was a member of the Quad's Hot Rod Club, NRA, Lion's Club and a lifelong member of DeHaven Baptist Church.

He is survived by his children Deborah Chase (Curt), Steven Ballard, Melissa Walton (Michael) and Thad Ballard (Courtney); grandchildren Miles Murphy (Rachel), Macauley Murphy (Andrew), Landry and Lakelyn Ballard; and great-grandchildren Leah and Claire Murphy.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions (235 Juneau Drive Louisville, KY 40243).

Visitation will also be from 10:00 am until the time of the funeral service at 12:00 pm on Friday, May 8, 2026 at DeHaven Baptist Church (300 West Main Street, La Grange, KY 40031) with burial to follow at Valley of Rest Cemetery in LaGrange, Kentucky.

Tommy's family would like to extend their gratitude to the entire staff for the gracious care and compassion provided during his stay at Story Point (Middletown).

The family requests that contributions in Tommy’s memory be made to DeHaven Baptist Church (300 West Main Street, La Grange, KY 40031).

To share a memory of Tommy or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.