Joe G. Ballard Jr. 78, of LaGrange passed away Saturday July 5, 2025 at Ames Family Hospice in Westlake following a long illness.  He was born October 3, 1946 in Tarboro, NC.  Joe served in the U.S. Army and retired from The Ford Motor Company.  He loved spending time with family and friends. Joe had a passion for Harley Davidson motorcycles, cars, and attending Piston Power Shows and Autorama.  Survivors include his daughters; Heather Ballard of TN., Torey Kolesar (Jim) of Strongsville, sons; Ronny Ballard of North Olmsted, Ryan Ballard of NY., Jimmy Navolanic of North Ridgeville, Justin Navolanic (Maribeth) of Olmsted Falls.  Additional survivors include three grandchildren; Penny, Grant, Vera, two sisters; Vikki Kay (Todd) of Olmsted Falls, Patty Batke of Medina, brothers; Don Ballard of LaGrange, Jeff Ballard of NC., Ronald Ballard of North Olmsted, step mother; Sherry Ballard of North Ridgeville, and his ex wife; Jane Palumbo (Lenny) of North Olmsted. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; Joe G. Sr. and Doris (nee: Tripp) Ballard, two brothers; Scott and Michael Ballard. The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM until time of services at 4:00 PM on Friday July 11, 2025 at The Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Elyria (440)322-4626. Burial will be private at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio. Online condolences to the family may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com