Thomas "Rick" Ballard, 70, of Southaven, MS, formerly of Youngstown, OH passed away on September 6, 2026, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis after his courageous journey with leukemia. 

Rick was born in Youngstown, OH. He was the son of the late Richard and Mildred Ballard who he looked forward to reuniting with. 

He graduated Liberty High School in 1974. 

While in Youngstown he worked for Troyer Farms, Schwebel’s and Nickels Bakery where he was part of the teamsters Local 261. Rick retired in 2020 after working in security for the Raymond James Building downtown Memphis and the IRS, both in Memphis, TN and Covington, KY. 

In his spare time, he enjoyed golf, playing pool and going to the casino and watching sports. He was an avid Ohio State Buckeye and Cleveland Indians fan. 

He was a forever optimist who loved laughing and joking around. Most of all, he loved his dogs which he called "his girls" Sophie, Peaches and Sunshine. He can now run and play with them in a better place. 

He will be eternally loved and cherished by his wife of 40 years, Debbie (Russell) Ballard. 

Rick leaves a sister, Kathy Rounds; sister-in-law, Tammy Russell; niece, Jennifer Furness and his beloved Niece, Brenna Rounds who brought him such joy.