BALLARD, Orvel Ray

The Verde Independent, Cottonwood, Arizona Tuesday, September 29, 2015 Orvel Ray Ballard of Cornville died September 16, two days before his 90th birthday. He was born September 18, 1925 in McKinney, TX to Leonard Charley Ballard and Willie Halbert Ballard. When he was very young, his mother died and he was raised by his father. Though his early life took him multiple places, from Ft. Smith, Arkansas, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January 1943, at 17. He sailed to many far-away places in the Merchant Marines, serving time aboard each of the ships: S.S. John Barry, Flagstaff Victory, and Point Breeze. Separating in February 1946, he married and moved to Vermillion, OH in 1947, where he spent the next 27 years before moving to Lorain, OH. Orvel retired from 30+ years at US Steel as an electrician. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Ocie Faye. Orvel left Lorain, OH in 2006 for the Verde Valley. He volunteered as a cart driver at VVMC for 6 years, where he met and subsequently married Carma Neese, another volunteer. They enjoyed an active life of cruises and travel. Their favorites were movie-going, popcorn, and Diamondbacks games on TV and free Taco Bell when the Diamondbacks won. He loved to be busy. In addition to diligent maintenance of their home and landscape, one of his favorites was trimming the mesquites on their property. All who knew and loved him will agree he was the nicest, most gentle, patient, and kind man ever known. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by a son Jeff Ballard (Suzanne), granddaughters Stacey Shelton (BJ) and Allison Argenio (Nick). He is also survived by his wife Carma Ballard, stepchildren Mitzi Boydell (Joe), Melanie Goodson, Martin Neese, step grandchildren Keith Kearney (Shantel), Joe Boydell, Alexis VerMilyea (Brenden), step great grandchildren Emily Boydell, and Addyson and Brynlee VerMilyea. A private family memorial will be held at a later date. Information provided by survivors.