Milas H. Ballard, Sr.

Milas H. Ballard, Sr., 83, widower of Annie Mae Sullivan Ballard, departed from this world and entered into the glorious presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in heaven on Monday, November 05, 2007. Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Milas was born in Darlington County, SC on January 5, 1924 to the late Gus and Jessie Howle Ballard. He was married to Annie Mae for sixty three years. He has missed her deeply over the past thirteen months and, at last, is now reunited with her in heaven. He retired from Sonoco Products with 45 years of service. Milas was a gifted craftsman and brought joy to many families by making and giving away numerous jewelry boxes and cedar chests. He had a special love for children, especially his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. All children affectionately knew him as “PaPa”. He would often sneak a little money into the hands of these children thinking that their parents were unaware. That would have been the case if it were not for the mischievous smile and twinkle in his eyes that he found so impossible to conceal. He was an avid fisherman and loved to flounder fish in Murrells Inlet with his brother, Pete, and close friend, the late Sam Armstrong. While in good health, he loved spending time at his beach house where he found tremendous enjoyment in preparing a feast of fresh seafood for his family and friends. Milas was a member of Kelleytown Baptist Church where he attended the Friendship Sunday School Class. He was fond of his teacher, John Jackson, and cherished the many visits from Mr. John over the last several months. Milas is survived by a son, Milas H. (Peggy) Ballard, Jr. of Bel Air, MD; daughter, Marilyn (Travis) Walters of Hartsville, SC; brother, Pete (Mary) Ballard of Hartsville, SC; grandchildren, Rev. Kevin (Donna) Walters of Hartsville, SC, Darryl (Kristie) Walters of Charleston, SC, Michael Ballard of Bel Air, MD, Pam Hayes of Mechanicsville, VA, and Jeff Hayes of Irvine, CA; great-grandchildren, Ashley, Audra and Emaleigh Walters; his special friend and caregiver, Tressie Allsbrook, and a wonderful encourager, Manly Kelley. He was predeceased by his brothers, Gus and Clarence Ballard. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, November 8, 2007 at Kelleytown Baptist Church. The Rev. Kevin Walters and the Rev. Lin Kirkman will officiate with burial at Westview Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. at Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Kelleytown Baptist Church Children’s Playground Equipment Fund.

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Milas H. Ballard, Sr.

January 5, 1924 - November 5, 2007