Dub Ballard

Albert William Ballard, affectionately known as “Dub” Ballard, passed away April 30, 2026, at the age of 100 years old. Born on March 10, 1926, in Manila, Arkansas, Dub was the proud son of George and Maudie Ballard. From birth his family simply called him “AW.” As a young boy, when people would ask him his name he would say, "A Dub Ya,” hence the name “Dub” stuck from there on throughout his life. He was passionate about life and enjoyed various aspects of living a healthy lifestyle while having a lot of fun along the way. His initial desire was to be a cowboy. His love for horses was evident from an early age. He enjoyed relating a story about riding his horse named Tony into town to see a cowboy movie as a young child. He only had 25 cents in his pocket. The movie cost 10 cents and he bought a Coke, a large Baby Ruth candy bar, and popcorn for the remaining 15 cents. Dub was a fan of southern gospel and old country music; his favorite artist was Waylon Jennings. Proving that variety is the spice of life, Dub enjoyed scuba diving, tap dancing, roller skating and amateur wrestling all while raising a family. Dub loved to work, a trait passed on to him as he helped his family pick cotton and raise a huge vegetable garden. Later, he drove a truck for Clark County Dairy picking up milk from dairy farms. He delivered produce for Jordan and Gray in Malvern, Arkansas. He owned and operated four hamburger drive-ins, one in Benton and three in Malvern. After moving from Malvern to Hot Springs, he worked 25 years as a routeman for Tom's Peanuts and Candy Co. At age 74, Dub began his 25 years of service to Coca-Cola of Hot Springs, where he became known as "Coca-Cola Man" at Walmart, finally retiring at age 99. Dub always found a way to balance work with pleasure. When he was 68, he became a member of the Hot Springs Senior Softball League and continued to play for almost 30 years. On Saturdays, Dub kept busy by mowing yards for elderly friends and neighbors as well as his church, The Church of the Open Door, where he was a faithful member and supporter and a great example to the younger generations. He lived his life as unto the Lord with dignity, honor and integrity. Dub was predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Lola May Ballard and his sister and brother in-law, Mildred and Buford Prince. Dub is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jean Ballard; son, Steve (Tammy) Ballard, of Conway; daughters, Sheila (Danny) Stanley, of Glen Rose, Regina Ballard, of Hot Springs and Rhonda (Eddie) Matson, of Jupiter, Florida. He was grandfather to 9 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 11 a.m. at The Church of the Open Door located at 700 South St., Hot Springs, Arkansas. Pastor Teddy Frye is officiating.

Dub Ballard

March 10, 1926 - April 30, 2026