James Ray Ballard

James Ray Ballard, 77 of Dumas, passed away on Friday, November 18, 2016. Funeral services are scheduled for 3 o'clock in the afternoon on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at Bible Baptist Church with Rev. Johnny Widener, pastor of the church, officiating. Interment will follow in Dumas Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. on Monday, November 21, 2016 at the funeral home. Arrangements are entrusted to Morrison Funeral Directors. On July 2, 1939 in Goodlett, Texas, A. B. and Valine Ballard, welcomed James Ray, their first child. After living in Cactus and at the Carbon Black plant, the family settled in Dumas, Texas where James grew into a selfless and loving man who attended Dumas High School. He graduated DHS 1957 and married the love of his life, Ellen Ann Alexander, on December 7, 1958. James was a true family man and would do anything for those he loved. James' compassionate spirit was devoted to God, his family and friends. He was an amazing cook and enjoyed being in the kitchen. He was very well known for his ribs and was expected to make them for every function. James supported his creative wife in her crafting endeavors by designing and cutting the wood for her projects and traveling the area for craft shows. He spent many hours riding dirt bikes and motorcycles with his family and friends. He loved to fish and was lucky enough to spend six weeks at his cabin in Eagle Nest, NM shortly before his homecoming. He enjoyed running a business and working side by side with his family. He's done a great job building a true, strong foundation and sculpting good strong men, including all the "boys" he's taught and mentored in business and life. There was no one who knew him that wasn't influenced greatly by him. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife. Survivors include his brother, Joe Ballard and wife Jelene of Dumas; his sons, Jerry Ray Ballard and wife Agnes of Amarillo and their children, Joshua, David and Ann Marie; Donnie Ballard and wife Valerie of Dumas and their children, B.J. and wife Jessica and their children Cylus and Liliana, Heather and husband Cody Jolly and their children, Rhylee and Barrett, Krystal and husband Derick San Miguel and numerous other extended family members. The family suggest memorials be to Memorial Hospice, 224 E. Second St., Dumas, TX 79029 or Memorial Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 224 E. Second St., Dumas, TX 79029. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the loving care given to their loved ones by Brenda Gonzalez and the other members of the Memorial Hospital, Memorial Nursing and Rehab, and Memorial Hospice staffs.