Rutledge “RH” Harry Ballard, Jr.

DURHAM- Mr. Rutledge “R.H.” Harry Ballard, Jr., 88, passed away Monday, June 24, 2019.R.H. was born November 6, 1930, the only child of R. Harry Ballard, Sr. and Pearl Ballard. He dedicated over 50 years of service to the Bethesda Volunteer Fire Department in various capacities including charter member to Fire Chief of the department. He also served on the Board of Directors for many years. He was active in the Boy Scouts as a Scout Leader. R.H. was employed as a machinist at Ideal Fasteners and Wright’s Machinery and later was employed at IBM Corporation as the Site Fire Marshal at the RTP location, from where he retired.R.H. loved volunteering and serving his community in other ways as well, he cooked BBQ chickens and Brunswick stew in efforts to raise money to build a new sanctuary at Bethesda Methodist Church, which he was a founding member. He also volunteered and supported the Durham Rescue Mission for several years.Mr. Ballard is preceded in death by his parents, Rutledge H. Ballard, Sr. and Pearl Ballard; son, Robert E. “Bob” Ladd, III.; daughter, Tena Ladd Pipkin. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Rhudell Hopkins Ballard; grandchildren, Angela Ladd Smith (Rodney), Kristi Ladd White (Erick), and Jennifer Ladd Watt (Kevin); four great-grandchildren; and two great great-grandchildren.A funeral service will be held Friday, June 28, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Hudson Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be held an hour prior from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Hudson Funeral Home. Officiating Reverend Rob Tart. Pallbearers will be Austin Norton, Nicholas Norton, Winston Norton, Jay Utley, and Jimy Utley. Honorary pallbearers will be former members of the Bethesda Volunteer Fire Department, Jerry Hackney, Marvin Utley, Lou Utley, Jony Utley, and Jim Howard. Burial to follow at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens.Flowers are acceptable or memorial contributions can be made to Durham Rescue Mission at PO Box 11368, Durham, NC 27703. Online condolences can be made at www.hudsonfuneralhome.com.The family would like to thank the following caregivers: The Native American Angels, Susan and Marlene; caregivers Tina Hagler and Grace Parrish; and Duke Hospice for their loving support.

A Video Memorial Tribute by Hudson Funeral Home