Joseph (Joe) Wayne Ballard, age 61, of Mount Sterling, KY passed away on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at his residence. He was born February 19, 1962 in Lexington, KY.

Joe graduated from Montgomery County High School, attended Eastern Kentucky University, and went on to establish successful video businesses in various locations. Joe was a man of many skills, which he honed while working alongside his father and brother for Ballard Construction. Joe was also a cattle and tobacco farmer and an avid investor.

In his spare time, Joe could always be seen on one of his Harley Davidsons. He also had a deep love for nature and animals that he shared with his children. He and his family enjoyed spending weekends in the Red River Gorge or on Cave Run Lake.

Joseph is survived by his children: Kyler (Phoebe) Ballard, Blake Ballard (Molly Burchett),Tanner Ockerman (Lindsey Clem), and stepson Trey (Jean) Earnhardt; father Floyd Ballard; brother Brian Ballard; wife Susie Ballard; and grandchildren Mary Ella Ballard, Nash Ockerman, Evelyn Ockerman, Ellorie Ockerman, and Elliot Ockerman. He is preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Ann Centers Ballard, and sister-in-law, Stacey Ballard.

A closed graveside service for the family and close friends will be held at 2 PM, Monday, November 6, at Machpelah Cemetery in Mount Sterling, KY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Love of Paws, an animal rescue organization located at 1122 Bunker Hill Rd., Mount Sterling, KY 40353.