Herbert Paul Ballard Jr

Herbert Paul Ballard, Jr., 56, of Pensacola, FL, passed away suddenly at home on June 27, 2025.

A proud U.S. Navy Veteran, Paul honorably served his country for 20 years, retiring in 2011 as a Petty Officer First Class (ABH1), Aviation Boatswain’s Mate. His distinguished naval career included service aboard the USS George Washington during its maiden deployment in 1994, the USS Nassau (LHA-4) in 2000, and his final duty assignment aboard the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in 2009.

Paul was born in San Diego, CA, and later moved to Shaw, MS. He attended Indianola Academy in Indianola, MS, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Delta State University in Cleveland, MS.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Georgia Ballard, and father, Herbert Paul Ballard, Sr. Paul is survived by his loving wife, Merla Ballard of Pensacola, FL, and his brother, David Ballard (Shannon) of Smyrna, TN.

Paul's legacy of service, love, and dedication will be deeply cherished by his family and many friends.

A funeral service to honor Paul’s life will be held at 3:00 PM on July 11, 2025, at Family Funeral & Cremation, 5627 North Davis Hwy, Pensacola, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Paul’s memory.

Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 9;45 Monday, August 4, 2025 at Ray Funeral Home in Cleveland, MS with  Interment of his ashes to follow at 10:00 a.m.at Shaw Cemetery in Shaw, MS.