Mark Anthony Ballard, 76, of Ballard Road, passed away Saturday, September 20, 2025 at his home. Mark was born on March 26, 1949 in Boyle County, KY to the late Hubert Lee Ballard and Doris Ballard Walker.

Mark was a member of Bethel Christian Church. Mark was a strong, quiet, compassionate, man. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather, Papaw, and a friend to whoever he met. He was always ready to help in anyway he was needed. You could call Mark anytime, night or day, he was always there.

Mark was a co-founder of the Bluegrass Pony and Mule Pulling Association and he was a member of the Garrard County Fair Board. He worked tirelessly on these clubs even with declining health. Mark was a friend and neighbor to all. He never complained or spoke bad of anyone. 

For 15 years he was foaling manager for Taylor Made Farms. During which time he delivered several leading Thoroughbreds. Then he went on to be employed by Empire / Ameri Gas for 27 years. Even after retiring, you could find Mark helping the elderly with any problems with their heating, making sure they stayed warm. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Susan Ballard; a daughter, Tish Griffitts (Jason); four sons, Tony Ballard (Jaime), Brandon Ballard (Crystal), Jamie Ballard (Amanda) and Andrew Ballard (Kelsey); sisters, Linda Baker, Lola Proctor (David); a brother, Paul Dean Ballard (Charlotte); sister-in-law, Juanita Ballard; grandchildren, Trace Michael Ballard, Kaylee Rexroad, Chris, Jeffrey and Brian Carlson, Chase, Emma, Raven Ballard, Kelsey Young, Conner Griffitts, and Amanda Rankin; great-grandchildren, Josh, Madison, Maddox, Kaine, Sylvia, Luka, Max, George, Hailey, Wayne, and Serenity; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Along with his parents, Mark was preceded in death by a brother, Stevie Ballard and a brother-in-law, Jimmy Baker.

Funeral service will be 11:00 am Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at Spurlin Funeral Home with Bro. Bill Bales and Bro. Donnie Bowen officiating.

Visitation will be 4:00-9:00 pm Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at the funeral home.

Burial will follow the funeral at Ballard Family Cemetery in Bryantsville.

Active pallbearers are Tony Ballard, Brandon Ballard, Jamie Ballard, Andrew Ballard, Paul Dean Ballard, Jason Griffitts, and Trace Michael Ballard.

Honorary pallbearers are Members of the Bluegrass Pony and Mule Pulling Association, Gary Riddle, Ruben Wagler, Johnny Hager, Mike Hager, Terri Feldman, Paula Ballard, Greg Hensley, Jason Hensley, Jose and Chencho, Stephanie Ballard, Shane and Melissa Baker, Sammy, Dalton and Layne Marsee, Joyce and Ron Jump, Paul and Susan Miller, Ray and Pat Miller, Christy (late David) Miller, and numerous friends. 

The family wants to send a special thank you to Dr. Rachel Harper at UK, Karen Mulholland APRN at St. Joseph Hospital, Caring Team at Centerwell Home Health, Heritage Hospice team, special friends Susan, Donna, Vickie, Connie, Kathy, Taylor Made Farms and the Taylor Made ladies of the monthly luncheons.