Lee Ballard

John “Lee” Ballard, 50, of Amarillo passed away on Saturday, July 2, 2022.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at 10am at First Baptist Church of Amarillo, 1208 S. Tyler with Dr. Howard K. Batson and Rev. Chris Fobbs presiding. A private family burial will follow at a later date in Claude Cemetery.

Lee was born on November 23, 1971 in Amarillo, Texas to John Keeter and Rita Jo (Lee) Ballard. He was raised in Claude, Texas and graduated from Claude High School in 1990. While attending Claude High School, Lee excelled in football, rodeo, 4H, and FFA. He became an exceptional golfer and even qualified for the state tournament. Following his graduation, Lee continued his studies at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas where he would earn his agriculture business degree in 1997. He attended First Baptist Church of Claude for his whole life. His Sunday school class at First Baptist Church of Amarillo was extremely important to Lee, and his walk with the Lord was a dedicated focus in his life.

Lee was part of the family’s farming and ranching operations in Armstrong, Moore, and Carson counties. He loved the farming and ranching life. He loved horses, cattle, and especially their Labrador Retrievers. He spent many, many hours loving on the dogs.

Lee had a huge heart. He was a very loving and caring individual.  But most of all, Lee loved people. He was one of the kindest, most giving people you would ever encounter. He would do anything for his friends, neighbors, or even total strangers. Even during his roughest days, he had the biggest smile on his face. He always ended every conversation with family and close friends with, “I love you.”

Lee is preceded in death by his brother Todd Ballard, and grandparents HK and Ruby Lee, and RC and Edith Ballard.

He is survived by his parents John and Rita Ballard of Claude, Sisters Robin McKay and husband Rex of Pampa, and Kara Harrell and husband Rick of Spearman. Lee also leaves behind his nephews Will McKay and wife Paige of Dallas, Mason McKay of Lubbock, and Reid Harrell of Spearman, and nieces Mary Beadles and husband Taylor of Lubbock, and Payton Priest and husband Laramie of Canyon; two great nieces Blair McKay and Maggie Beadles, and his very special friend Debbie Patton of Lubbock.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests a memorial donation be made in honor of Lee to the First Baptist Church of Claude, the Claude Cemetery Association, or Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Amarillo.