Mr. Wallace "Wally" Wayne Ballard

Wally was born May 13, 1964 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Jesse and Leta Ballard, and passed peacefully into the arms of God after a short illness on December 21, 2022 with his love Shelley and his mother holding his hands. He was the middle of three children, with older sister Tonda and younger brother Trent. During his youth, Wally moved from Tulsa to the Houston area, and then to Weatherford, Oklahoma while in middle school, where he met his lifelong best friend Gary Don Pigg. While in Weatherford, Wally played baseball and football for the Weatherford High School Eagles. When it was time for college, Wally was a walk-on for the Southwestern Oklahoma State Bulldogs Football team, paying his own way through college with jobs at the local Phillips 66 station, working land and offshore oil rigs, assisting in the family owned Otasco store, and helping to run the family farm.

During his time in Weatherford, Wally developed his love for motor sports and built and raced his own dirt late model race car from a Monte Carlo at the age of 15. Following graduation from SWOSU with a Bachelor in Business- Marketing, he followed his passion for racing to North Carolina with a position on a Winston NASCAR crew for Mark Stahl. After about a year, Wally returned to Oklahoma and began working for the finance company CIT. He completed the management training program, and Wally transferred to Texas, New Jersey, Kansas City, and back to Texas. When CIT was purchased by Tyco, Wally used the interim to play golf multiple times per week for months.

On October 27, 2003, Wally’s friend arranged a blind date for Monday Night Football at Lonnegan’s Bar and Grill in Hurst. It was then he met his soul mate- Shelley Leigh Bonebrake. The two dated and were married on November 13, 2004. Wally lovingly referred to his time before he met Shelley as “BS” (Before Shelley). He was Shelley’s greatest supporter and cheerleader, encouraging her to accept a new job in GCISD, obtain her Doctorate at Hardin-Simmons, and generally made sure she felt loved and safe every day.

For the past 18 years, Wally held trainer and sales rep jobs at Fleetwood RV and Winnebago Motorhomes, where he continued to build his reputation in the motorhome industry. Wally was a professional who approached his job with passion and worked to stay current in his field. His dealers and their sales staff knew they could count on Wally to answer his phone and help them work a deal beginning at 7:30 in the mornings and continuing until 7:30 on Sunday evenings- even while on vacation. His knowledge, enthusiasm, and skill for his craft came naturally.

His work life required him to spend about 150 nights each year on the road, and he made sure to include Shelley when possible. The two enjoyed multiple “windshield time” trips during school breaks, and she formed relationships with dealers and other Winnebago reps along the way.3

On most weekends outside of RV Show season, you could find Wally with Shelley. Together they loved grilling, watching cooking shows and sports, listening to The Ranch and Red Dirt Texas Country music, and enjoying good food and good wine. It was rare to see one without the other when not working.

Wally spoiled Shelley constantly, making her breakfast each day he was home and pre-making for the days when he was traveling. While he was home, he packed her lunch each day- making sure to include a note that contained a piece of scripture and a personal sentiment. On tough days, he would have a cocktail ready and sitting on the counter when Shelley arrived home. No husband could have been more sweet or loving.

Wally and Shelley loved to camp when they were lucky enough to have a demo unit from Winnebago. The two loved the RV experience, and relying on Wally’s knack for being a consummate planner, had great times around the campfire, birdwatching, and simply enjoying each other’s company and God’s creation. The two dreamed of the day they would own an RV and spend their time exploring Big Bend, the Gulf barrier islands, and anywhere their hearts and road led.

The two were truly a match made by God. Together the two attended Church at Compass Church in Colleyville, supported multiple charities including Operation Kindness no-kill shelter in Carrollton and Center for Animal Research and Education in Bridgeport.

Wally’s larger than life personality was eclipsed only by the size of his heart. Many admired Wally’s fierce devotion to his faith and his beloved Shelley. The two never met a stranger and continued to impact those around them until his last breath. Wally was loved by almost all he encountered. His warm smile and infectious laugh drew people to know the teddy bear behind the imposing exterior.

A person of Wally’s amazing qualities and life leave a huge hole in the lives left behind, but we are certain he has taken his place at the right-hand side of God’s throne and will preside over us as a guardian angel daily.

Wally leaves behind his wife and love of 18 years, Shelley Leigh Bonebrake Ballard, of Hurst, TX; Mother Leta Ballard of Lee’s Summit, MO; In Laws Steve and Gail Bonebrake of Hot Springs Village, AR; Sister Tonda and husband Dayne Yeisley of Lee’s Summit, MO; Brother Trent Ballard of Denver, CO; Brother-in-Law Brad and wife Stephanie Bonebrake of Mansfield, TX; nieces Baylee and husband Karl Bleikamp of St. Louis, MO; Riley Ballard of Denver, CO; and Reagan Bonebrake of Mansfield, TX; Nephews Tanner Yeisley and Dillan Yeisley of Lee’s Summit, MO; and Noah Ballard and Caleb Ballard of Denver, CO. Wally is preceded in death by his father Jesse Wayne Ballard of Lee’s Summit, MO; grandparents Elvert Wallace Ratliff of Weatherford, OK and Jesse Aaron Ballard of Lubbock TX.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 14th at 10am at Compass Center (diagonal across from the main Church). 4201 Pool Rd, Grapevine, TX 76051. Pastor Drew Sherman will preside.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made by check to Compass Church in Wally’s name where a fund is established for student scholarships to attend youth camps and bring others to Christ.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bluebonnethills.com for the Ballard family.