Leslie Ballard,

Leslie Arlington Ballard, Sr., age 88, of Richlands, Virginia, passed away Saturday, June 23, 2012 in a Bristol, Tennessee hospital surrounded by his family. He was born in Buena Vista, Virginia and was the son of the late Robert O. Ballard and Beatrice Rema Ballard Dudley. He had made his home in the Richlands area most of his life and was the owner and operator of Ballard Insurance Agency in Richlands, Virginia. He was a U.S. Army, World War II Veteran. He was a graduate of the National Business College in Roanoke, Virginia and was a former Tazewell County Board of Supervisor from the Western District for 12 years. He was a past master and fifty year honorary member of the Richlands Masonic Lodge #318 AF & AM. He was a former collegiate and amateur league baseball player and was an avid golfer from many years. He was a member of the Gethsemane Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Harry Ballard and Weldon Dudley. Survivors are: His Wife: Nell Lee Simmons Ballard One Son: Leslie Arlington “Dusty” Ballard, Jr. and Sheri Hale of Richlands, Virginia Two Grandchildren: Sidney Lee Ballard and Gabriel VanNoy with soon to arrive Great Granddaughter, Harper of Bristol, Tennessee Lesley Evan Ballard Beaty and husband, Ryan and Great Grandson, Gunner of Abingdon, Virginia Sister: Ruby Ramsey of Buena Vista, Virginia Brother: Louie Dudley of Buena Vista, Virginia Graveside services for Les Ballard will be conducted Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 12:00pm at the Clinch Valley Memorial Cemetery in Richlands, Virginia. Interment will follow. Relatives and Friends will serve as pallbearers. Members of Casey-Shortt VFW Post #9640 will conduct military graveside rites. Friends may call after 6:00pm Tuesday evening at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia. Members of Richlands Masonic Lodge #318 AF & AM will conduct Masonic services Tuesday evening at 7:00pm. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the funeral home by 11;30am Wednesday morning. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia is in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com

Leslie Ballard,

July 11, 1923 - June 23, 2012