Elder Phillip Maxwell Sanders Ballard

You can show your support by sending flowers directly to the family by contacting Debbie's Flowers (870) 633-2225 or ROYAL DESIGN FLOWERS (870) 735-2000, or by visiting www.etsy.com/shop/ShopYABAS On the 30th Day of December 2022; Elder Phillip Maxwell Sanders Ballard, peacefully transitioned from time into eternity; to forever rest in the presence of Almighty God. “For we are assured that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” (II Cor. 5:8) Elder Phillip Maxwell Sanders Ballard was a loving husband, dedicated son, beloved brother, proud father, respected uncle and cousin, devoted grandfather an elated newly inducted great grandfather. He was an ordained elder, author, entrepreneur, engineer, educator, administrator, counselor, mentor, and U.S. Navy veteran. Phillip affectionally known as “Coach Ballard” was born to Evelyn Louise Valdez on December 6, 1950, in Port Tampa, Florida. He was the eldest of Four siblings, Walter A. Flagler (deceased), Frank A. Flagler (deceased), and Keith A. Flagler. He was later officially adopted by his grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Frank and Essie Mae Ballard. Phillip was baptized and became a member of St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church of Port Tampa, Florida at 8 years of age. In 1973 he acknowledged his calling to the ministry and was ordained at the age of 22. He was a pioneer in his own right as he was a graduate of the first integrated “Class of 1968” of Robinson High School of Hillsborough County, Tampa, Florida. He then attended college at Clearwater Christian College, in Clearwater, Florida. Phillip relocated to Los Angeles, California where he served as a youth minister. He then enlisted in the United States Navy in 1977 and served as a meteorologist and religious specialist until 1990. On December 1, 1979, he was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Rose Marie Dixon-Gatewood (Stennis). During their union, they built an extraordinary life and raised a blended family of 10 children; and provided temporary sanctuary for over 150 others, that still refer to him as “Dad.” Phillip was an advocate for education and always encouraged young people, including his children and grandchildren to pursue higher academia. Phillip was a graduate of LaVerne University, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religious Studies. As an ordained Elder and member, he served as the Chief Administrator Officer of the St. Stephens Cathedral COGIC, of San Diego. California under the leadership of the Late Bishop George D. and Jean C. McKinney. Phillip was a man of diversity, and one who embraced his talents; he explored different opportunities to serve his community. Phillip was an intake counselor at a local boys’ home and was a maintenance engineer for the San Diego Trolley Authority, in San Diego, CA. In 1997, he and his family relocated to Forrest City, AR, where they became members of Christian Fellowship Church, of Wynne, AR, serving on the elders' council, under the leadership of Pastor John G. and Sandra Smith. He continued his quest for education and received another bachelors’ degree in Education from Arkansas State University at Jonesboro. He then pursued a career in teaching his favorite subject of History and all accompanying subjects to junior high, and high school students in Elaine, Helena/ West Helena, and Forrest City School Districts within the state of Arkansas. As a teacher, Phillip was always looking to impart knowledge into the next generation through engaging conversations and sports competitions. Phillip, as a coach and former semi-pro baseball athlete himself, trained athletes in football, baseball, weight training, and track and field, encouraging athletes to use their talents as a gateway to higher education. Phillip was afforded the opportunity to retire from the education field in 2015 from the Forrest City Public School District. He continued to share his smile, wisdom and life experiences with his children, grand-children, great grandchild, and countless others as he journeyed through to the end of his life. Elder Phillip Ballard leaves to cherish his memory; his loving wife; Rose Marie, his mother; Evelyn L. Flagler-Shank, his brother, Keith A. Flagler (Helen); Ten wonderful Children: Deborah L. (George-Mark) McCorley, Sharon M. Rowe, Major JayCee Stennis Jr. (U.S. Airforce) (Nikhole), Nicola L. (John K.) Vincent, Melissa A. (Lawrence) McCorvey, Carleen J. Ballard, Walter A. (Tiffany) Ballard, Jesse “Dez” V. Ballard, Chawntay A. (Allen) Woods, and Joya E. (Theo) Johnson. His twenty-six intelligent grandchildren: Caleb, Kaleel, George Jr., Jordon, Nicholas, Jonathan, Gianni, Lauren, Phillip, Nasyia, Matthew, Kaden, Aleasia, Treasure, Anika, Donald, Lorenzo, Jordon B. Antonio, Aiyanna, Jalisa, Taleeya, Teighlor, Alaia, Drake and one precious great-grandson; Malachi; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. He was proceeded in death by his grandparents/parents Jesse Frank and Essie Mae Ballard, Louis Valdez Jr.(uncle), Walter A. Flagler (brother), Rodney Milligan (cousin), and Justus McCovey (grandson).

Elder Phillip Maxwell Sanders Ballard

December 6, 1950 - December 30, 2022