Kevin Lee Ballard passed away unexpectedly on March 8, 2024 at his home in Brownwood. He was only 40 years old. Kevin was born on July 3, 1983 in San Angelo, TX. He graduated high school in Winters, TX. His family will host a visitation on Friday March 15th from 5 to 7 pm at Heartland Funeral Home in Early.
Kevin spent his last almost two years working at Vulcan Materials as a heavy equipment operator. He especially enjoyed fishing, but he also loved hunting, scuba diving, and metal detecting. He learned to fly planes in his 20’s. He loved his job at Vulcan driving the huge pieces of machinery. It was a dream job for him. Our dogs Henry, Cosette, and Janie were loved very much by Kevin. Everyday he would come home and go straight to Henry and ask “What did Henry eat?” because Henry is almost 14 and only has his back teeth remaining. Kevin would buy a double meat hamburger and give one patty to Henry, tearing the meat into tiny pieces for him. He always shared his meals with Henry. Kevin loved having friends come over and go fishing with him on the dock at Lake Brownwood.
He was a hardworking man that could drive any piece of equipment with ease. His family could count on him to help with anything, especially heavy lifting and just hard work in general. He also made it a frequent point to photograph sunrises, commenting on how it was “A beautiful sunrise” or “Beautiful this morning”. He never failed to read the daily readings in the book called “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young every morning. The March 8th reading is as follows: “Save your best striving for seeking My face. I am constantly communicating with you. To find Me and hear My voice, you must seek Me above all else. Anything that you desire more than Me becomes an idol. When you are determined to get your own way, you blot Me out of your consciousness. Instead of single-mindedly pursuing some goal, talk with Me about it. Let the Light of My Presence shine on this pursuit so that you can see it from My perspective. If the goal fits in My plans for you, I will help you reach it. If it is contrary to My will for you, I will gradually change the desire of your heart. Seek Me first and foremost; then the rest of your life will fall into place, piece by piece. 1 Chronicles 16:11; Proverbs 19:21 NKJV; Matthew 6:33”.
His departure comes as a great shock and a deep wound, and it is gravely felt by his entire family and others who loved him deeply. The family greatly appreciates your support during this difficult time and asks that you make contributions to the Corinne T. Smith Animal center, 3016 Milam Dr., Brownwood, Texas 76801; or Big Country Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Attn: Jennifer Kleinpeter, P O Box 405, Buffalo Gap, Texas 79508 in Kevin’s memory. He will be forever missed. Until we meet again.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Kevin is survived by his father, Steven Ballard and mother, Debbie Ballard of Brownwood, TX; his brother, Kris Ballard of Abilene, TX. And numerous friends. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, William Harold McKinney and Leslie McKinney; paternal grandparents, Ernest “Cotton” Ballard and Barbara Ballard.
Online condolences, memories and tributes can be made to the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net