Wiley Sylvester Ballard

Wiley Sylvester "Sonny" Ballard was born July 31, 1938 in Ninnekah, Oklahoma to Louis Sylvester and Catherine (Marshall) Ballard. He passed away on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, with his family at his side in Duncan at the age of 85.

The family will greet visitors on Monday, April 29, from 6:00-7:00 P.M. at Whitt Funeral Home. Funeral services are planned for Tuesday, April 30, at 1:00 P.M. in the Whitt Funeral Home Chapel with Richy Large, pastor of Connection Church in Elgin, OK, officiating. Serving as pallbearers are Mark Bishop, Monty Bishop, David Ballard, Daniel Ballard, Earl Parnell, and Michael Sewell. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Gardens.

Wiley proudly served his country in the service. He retired from the dairy servicemen industry delivering dairy products door to door and in stores years ago for Calverts, Borden, and Farm Fresh in north Texas and southern Oklahoma. He enjoyed working on cars, working in his yard and shop, and being a handyman. Wiley's favorite pastime was spending time with his children, calling his family and friends to check on them, and doing anything to help others. He was a member of Highland Park Baptist Church and was active there helping at Falls Creek and aiding hurricane victims. He married Ruby D. Umsted on November 3, 1972 in Paris, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, infant Mary Alice and Linda Bishop; brothers-in-law, Marvin Bishop and Archie Null; son-in-law, Charles Wuest; granddaughter, Chrisy Hare; and nephews: Ricky Null, Tim Null, Robert Null.

Wiley is survived by his wife of 51 years, Ruby; children: Pamela and husband Craig Peck, Dana and husband Tim Harris, Teresa Sewell, Shelly Wuest, Gerald and wife Theresa Umsted; grandchildren: Samantha Fish, Harold "Bubba" Fish III, Allie Jackson, Michael Sewell, Anson Wuest, Jared Umsted; 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers: Clarence and wife Faye Ballard, Dan and Farilyn Ballard; and sisters: Caroline "Sally" and husband Claude Parnell, Nora Bell Null.

Memorial donations can be made to Think Ability at 1301 W Main, Duncan, OK 73533 or online at thinkabilityfirst.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Whitt Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at www.whittfh.com.

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