Robert "Bob" W. Ballard

Sullivan,

Robert “Bob” Ballard Jr. passed away, August 13, 2024 at Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care with his wife and daughter by his side. Bob was born September 27, 1943 to Robert “Curly” Ballard Sr. and Anna Louise Hayes Ballard. He married the love of his life, Carolyn Sue Brown Ballard on October 21, 1961.

Bob spent 12 years of his life working at Midland Glass Co. in Terre Haute. Upon retiring he devoted the next several years to farming. He quit farming in 1990 and found his new passion in antiques. He was a member of  White River Valley Antique Association. Past President and State Delegate of Sullivan County Pork Producers.

Bob and Carolyn opened The Country Store Antiques on April 1, 1993. Together they have run the store for 32 years. He also had a passion for flowers, planting nearly 150 canna and elephant ears around their home yearly. He loved working outside.

Bob enjoyed going to auctions and later setting up at Antique shows and flea markets. A lot of the vendor items were not always the cleanest, but Bob prided himself on making sure if you were getting something from him it was clean, beautifully refinished and ready for display in your home.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Ronda Hankins and a grandson, Nick McKinley.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, his daughter, Jonna McKinley; grandson, Cody (Stephanie) McKinley; sister, Rita Scott Phillips. He was most proud to be known as Grandpa B by his great-granddaughter, Darcy Wood.

He will be greatly missed by his furry pals, Bo and Tranny.

A celebration of life will be held at Holmes Memorial Chapel on Saturday August 24, 2024 with visitation from 2 pm. until time of service at 3:30 pm. with Pastor Jason Jones officiating. Burial will be at Johnson Cemetery at a later date.