Obituary of Thomas Patrick Ballard

Thomas Patrick Ballard, age 82, of Columbia, SC passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 27, 2023.

Pat was born in Charlotte, NC to Thomas Hilliard Ballard and Anne Feeney Ballard in 1940. Along with his sister Hilda, he grew up in Belmont, NC where he prided himself on working early in life mowing lawns and delivering the Charlotte Observer as a young teen. Pat would imbue this work ethic to his children as they grew up. In high school, he played in the band, lettered in track three years and was given a drama award for his role in the senior play. It should be no surprise, he was also voted the Friendliest Guy his senior year! 

After his sophomore year at Appalachian State, Pat went home to Belmont with the death of his mother. He then transferred to the University of South Carolina, where he loved spending his time with his Sigma Nu Fraternity brothers.

Upon graduating with a degree in Biology/Chemistry, Pat went to work as a chemist for Baxter in Kingstree, SC. However, he soon had an itch to travel, which would lead him to a career in sales. He would spend most of his career as a sales representative for Scientific Products (SP) selling laboratory and medical supplies across South Carolina. He was a hardworking man who excelled at delegating and getting deals done. Over the years, he won many awards, including being admitted to the prestigious President’s Club.

As a teenager, he met the mild mannered Betty Brasch. They fell in love and married in 1962. They graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1963. Pat and Betty soon started a family, complete with children, Mark, Patrick and Page. As a family, they loved finding great places to eat and travel. Being a loving and dependable father and grandfather was of the utmost importance to Pat. He certainly did not disappoint when it came to wholeheartedly loving his family.  

Pat was an avid reader, scuba diver and excellent cook. The quest for the next fun adventure was omnipresent in his life be it with friends, family or even strangers. He loved to travel in business and pleasure with some of his favorite memories being of baseball and football destination trips with his son, Patrick. He was a wonderful grandfather who took immense pleasure in spending time with his daughter Page’s family, taking his grandson golfing and receiving loving hugs from his granddaughter. Eventually, he and Betty bought a house in the mountains of NC.  La Luna became their travel destination for the past 20 years. 

In addition to his loving wife of 61 years Betty, Pat is survived by his son, Thomas Patrick Ballard, Jr. (partner, Laura Davis) of Prescott, AZ,  his daughter, Page Ballard Page (husband, Mike Page), his grandson, George Page and his granddaughter, Shelby Page, all of Durham, NC.  He is also survived by his sister, Hilda Taylor of Tryon, NC and his niece and nephews. He was preceded in passing by his son, Mark, his father and his mother. 

A visitation to celebrate Pat’s life will be held at the home of Pat and Betty on Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 4-7pm. His family looks forward to welcoming loved ones and hearing all your greatest stories of T Pat. 

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Leeza’s Care Connection, 201 St. Andrews Rd, Columbia, SC 29210 (https://www.leezascareconnection.org/)  or the The Women’s Shelter, 3425 N Main St., Columbia, SC 29203 (https://womenshelter.org/help.htm)

South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book by clicking on the “Tribute Wall” tab above.