Cletus “Clete” Jennings Ballard, Jr.

Cletus "Clete" Jennings Ballard, Jr., a resident of Dothan, passed away at his residence on May 26, 2020 after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease and diabetes. He was 77. According to Clete's wishes a simple graveside service with military honors will be held at 10 am on Friday, May 29, 2020 in Sunset Memorial Park with Keith Johnson officiating. Clete was born on October 30, 1942 in Winston Salem, NC and lived his early life in Charlotte, NC. He moved to Alabama as a result of his military training at Ft. Rucker. He was a five-year veteran of the US Army having served in the Vietnam Conflict before being honorably discharged. Upon discharge from the military, Mr. Ballard worked selling cars and heavy trucks for Fred Bondy at Bondy's Ford, Dothan Chrysler, and Gilliand Pontiac-Chevrolet. He was a mechanically gifted and talented man. His ability to restore antique cars to their original condition gave him quite a reputation among car enthusiasts. He had an even greater appreciation for speed. He enjoyed building and racing cars. A jack of all trades, there was truly nothing that he couldn't do. Through the years his health began to fail him but his faith in God was strengthened. This is how he will always be remembered by those who loved him most. Clete was predeceased by his father, Cletus Jennings Ballard, Sr. and a sister, Connie Case. Leaving to cherish his memories are his wife of twenty-nine years, Debra Y. Ballard; his daughters, Janet Ballard Bradley (Bruce) of Eufaula, Jennifer Ballard Matheny (Jim) of Columbia; his step-son, Joseph Sheldon Holder (Holli) of Ashford; his mother, Mary N. Ballard of Charlotte; his sister, Penny Ballard Miller (William) of Charlotte; the mother of his children, Carolyn Thompson Ballard of Dothan; and his seven grandchildren, Elizabeth Bradley, Benjamin Bradley, Jennifer Bradley, Christopher Matheny, Alan Matheny, Matthew Matheny, Michael Matheny and Bailey Pike. Burial Date May 29, 2020 According to Clete's wishes a simple graveside service with military honors will be held at 10 am on Friday, May 29, 2020 in Sunset Memorial Park with Keith Johnson officiating.