Colonel (USAF, Retired) William T. Ballard, born 26 October 1929 to Coleman and Irene Williamson Ballard in Beaumont, Texas, passed away on September 8, 2014. He is survived by his loving and faithful wife of 65 years, Tonia V. Beltram Ballard; three daughters, Valli Dimmery, Nikki Cavanaugh and Shawn Garza; nine grandchildren, Dr. Kristy Dimmery Edwards, Eric Dimmery, Brian and Cory Cavanaugh and Stacey Ward, and four adopted grandchildren, Brandon, Courtney, Chad and Bridgette Ballard; and many great grandchildren. Bill and Tonia first dated at ages 13 and 12 respectively. Bills military career started as an Airman Instructor in control tower operations. Commissioned in 1953, Bill flew B-36 and B-52s as a Navigator/Bombardier. Assigned to USAF Security Service in 1958, he had a most distinguished, worldwide intelligence career; earning four Legions of Merit, and two Bronze Stars. He commanded units at Tan Son Nhut and Danang ABs, South Vietnam, and in Berlin, Germany; ending his career as the DCS Operations, USAFSS in 1980. He co-founded the USAFSS Alumni Association and was its first President. Inducted into the Air Force Intelligence Hall of Honor in 1986, he chaired the program for years. He received his B.A. from George Washington University, his M.A. from Auburn, and studied at the Doctoral level at MIT. Bill graduated from Squadron Officers School, AF Command and Staff College, Industrial College of the Armed Forces and the Air War College. He was a partner in Centurion Enterprises and on the SSFCU Board of Directors for 20 years. Bill was a wonderful husband, a great father, and an outstanding and available Papa to his grand and great grandchildren. He will be missed by all. A service and reception will be held at Calvary Community Church, 2097 County Road 4516, Castroville, TX, (830) 538-2088, at 10AM, Wednesday, 17 September.
Posted on: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 16:08:56 +0000
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