November 6, 1930–June 24, 2019

DURHAM – Mr. Rutledge “R.H.” Harry Ballard, Jr., 88, passed away Monday, June 24, 2019.

R.H. was born November 6, 1930, the only child of R. Harry Ballard, Sr. and Pearl Ballard. He dedicated over 50 years of service to the Bethesda Volunteer Fire Department in various capacities including charter member to Fire Chief of the department. He also served on the Board of Directors for many years. He was active in the Boy Scouts as a Scout Leader. R.H. was employed as a machinist at Ideal Fasteners and Wright’s Machinery and later was employed at IBM Corporation as the Site Fire Marshal at the RTP location, from where he retired.
R.H. loved volunteering and serving his community in other ways as well, he cooked BBQ chickens and Brunswick stew in efforts to raise money to build a new sanctuary at Bethesda Methodist Church, which he was a founding member. He also volunteered and supported the Durham Rescue Mission for several years.

Mr. Ballard is preceded in death by his parents, Rutledge H. Ballard, Sr. and Pearl Ballard; son, Robert E. “Bob” Ladd, III.; daughter, Tena Ladd Pipkin. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Rhudell Hopkins Ballard; grandchildren, Angela Ladd Smith (Rodney), Kristi Ladd White (Erick), and Jennifer Ladd Watt (Kevin); four great-grandchildren; and two great great-grandchildren.

Flowers are acceptable or memorial contributions can be made to Durham Rescue Mission at PO Box 11368, Durham, NC 27703.

A Video Memorial Tribute by Hudson Funeral Home