Walter Harvey Ballard Sr.

Walter Harvey Ballard, Sr. Walter Harvey Ballard, Sr. was born January 12, 1933, in Summerdale, Alabama–the second of six boys. Walter is preceded in death by his mother and father, Bernice Louise Ballard and Victor Ballard, Sr.; his first wife, Rose Ballard; his second wife, Katy Ballard; and his daughter, Anna Marie Lorenzo. Walter left behind his six children: Wayne and Catherine Hinton, Walter Harvey Ballard, Jr., Clinton and Christine Ballard, Stony and Jerry Ann Ballard, Danny and Kim Ballard, and Lessa Krapish. Also, he has left behind his five brothers, Carlos and Martha, Donald and Merry, Victor and Linda, Harold and Rita and Ernest and Beverly, as well his fifteen grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Equipped with but a ninth-grade education, Walter left home at an early age to pursue his dreams. After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as a Sergeant in France, he went on to make a successful life built on self-education that included numerous businesses, all surrounded by automobiles. Walter’s biggest accomplishment was being the first winner of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series Rookie of the Year in 1971. He went on to race until having a heart attack, but remained a part of racing as a racecar owner, having drivers drive for him. His wife Katy was just as involved in the industry, being one of the first to start the NASCAR ladies organization.

In lieu of flowers, since Walter was an avid supporter of St. Jude’s and Wounded Warriors, it would be preferred that a gift be given to one of these organizations in his honor.

A funeral service and reception for Walter will be held Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Kingwood Funeral Home, 22800 Highway 59 North, Kingwood, TX 77339.