Kenneth Jackson Ballard

Kenneth Jackson Ballard was born on January 24, 1936, in Avon Park, Florida, to Birtle B. Ballard and Lucy Rhymes Ballard. He passed away on Monday, August 11, 2025, in Winter Haven, Florida.  He was 89 years old

Ken spent his early years in Frostproof before moving with his family to Michigan at the age of 10. He graduated from Midland High School, where he developed a deep love of hunting and gained valuable farming experience.

In 1956, Ken enlisted in the United States Marine Corps through a “special promotion” that offered an all-expenses-paid trip to boot camp in Twentynine Palms, California. He served honorably until 1959. During his first year of service, he received a one-week leave and famously hitchhiked across the country to return home to Michigan—a story his family fondly remembered and retold for years.

Following his discharge, Ken resumed his work at Dow Chemical Company. In the summer of 1959, while visiting family in Frostproof, he reconnected with Betty Selph. Their relationship blossomed through phone calls and letters, leading to their marriage on July 16, 1960. The couple settled in Midland, Michigan.

In 1973, seeking a warmer climate, Ken and Betty relocated too Frostproof. Ken joined Ben Hill Griffin, Inc., overseeing the concentrate warehouse and shipping operations. When the company was acquired by Procter & Gamble, Ken transitioned to lead their environmental operations. He dedicated 20 years of service to the organization.

In 1985, Ken and Betty became the proud owners of Maryland Fried Chicken. Ken’s specialty was his Saturday ribs, which became a community favorite. Orders began pouring in as early as Wednesday, and he was often sold out before the weekend began. He meticulously prepped the
ribs each Friday and spent Saturdays manning the smoker.

An avid outdoorsman, Ken found joy in hunting and simply being in nature. He also loved fishing and took great pride in maintaining the landscaping around their home on North Lake Reedy.

Ken gave back to his community in many ways. He volunteered with the Frostproof High School Bulldog Boosters and Band Boosters, chairing the concession stand and helping with various fundraisers. He was an active member at First Methodist Church of Frostproof, assisting with pancake breakfasts, pulled pork dinners, Christmas decorating, and more.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Betty Ballard of Winter Haven; his daughter, Beth Ballard Logullo of Oviedo; his grandson, Matthew Logullo of Maitland; sister-in-law, Jean Bryant of Blairsville, Georgia; brother-in-law, Jim Selph and his wife Cindy Selph of Arcadia, Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews, for whom he was a favorite uncle.

A graveside service with funeral honors will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Silver Hill Cemetery in Frostproof. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at First Methodist Church of Frostproof with Rev. Jacqueline Leveron and Rev. Debbie Mak officiating.

A luncheon following the memorial service will be held as well. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be sent to Operation BBQ Relief (www.operationbbqrelief.org) in Ken’s memory.