Ballard Stidham

COURTESY OBITUARY

On the morning of July 26, 2022, Ballard Stidham died peacefully at the age of 90, in Dayton, OH.

Ballard was born in 1931 in Hazard, KY to Rose and Felix Stidham. He grew up in a loving and large blended family of 10 siblings.

He was a member of the United States Army and a Korean War veteran. After an honorable discharge from his service, he married Thelma in 1962, and together over the next 60 years, they raised a beautiful family in Ohio. He spent nearly 41 of those years working at General Motors in Dayton, from which he retired with pride. He was a long-standing member of the local IUE-CWA 801.

Ballard was a proud father and grandfather who loved going to his grandkids’ little league and high school activities, playing card games, pool, corn hole, and other fun outdoor activities. He loved University of Kentucky Wildcats basketball and watching his grandson play baseball at Florida State University. He simply enjoyed doing anything he could with his family.

He was also an avid golfer and gardener, and spent his retirement split between Dayton and Florida to be with his family. He was known for his sense of humor and the best smile you’ve ever seen. His laughter was contagious, and he lit up the room.

Ballard is survived by his loving wife, Thelma, who tenderly cared for his every need through his slow battle with dementia. He leaves a legacy of five children: Vicki (Rick) Rose, Beth (Eric) Crabtree, Donna (Steve) Wright, Linda (J.C.) Wallace, and Jeff (Sue) Stidham. He is also survived by grandchildren Brian, Clinton, Nathan, Amanda, Jared, Jason, Cara, and Josh, as well as 13 great grandchildren, and several other loving family members.

Ballard’s family would like to thank Hospice of Dayton and the very special caregivers, Diane and W.C., for taking the best care of him in his last several months of life.

There will be a graveside service for Mr. Ballard Stidham on Saturday October 15, 2022 at 12 Noon at Hurricane Cemetery (Leslie County)