Hunter Shane Ballard

Hunter Shane Ballard was born on January 15th, 2009. He left this earth tragically on Friday, May 2nd, 2025 at around 4:30 in the evening when he was struck by a car. He never gained consciousness and did not survive his injuries. We can be comforted by the knowledge that he probably never felt any pain. Hunter was the last-born child to Louis and Lynn Ballard after 10 hours of labor by his mom, who had been told by doctors years before to not expect any more children. Hunter is survived by his brothers; Claude Heath Alexander of Mabelvale and Joshua Dane Salyers of Bryant; Two sisters, Mary Alyene Williamson (Bryan) of Little Rock and Chelsey Larue Smith (Josh) of Jonesboro. Hunter also leaves to cherish his memory: three aunts, Brandy Towery (Roy) of Caraway, Jeannette Ballard Heffington of Benton, and Mary Anne Mitchell of Greenbriar, and also a number of cousins, nieces and nephews. From a very early age Hunter displayed a strong aptitude for learning and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. His main complaint through school was not being challenged enough with the curriculum, and talked to us incessantly of law school and his plans to become a Defense Attorney. He was so looking forward to learning all he could about law. Hunter was excited about the future and all he would accomplish. I remember one day he came home from school and told me that some kids were calling him a nerd. He told them that they might call him that now, but one day they would call him “boss.” Big mic drop moment there. I told him to never be ashamed of who he is and that I have always been a nerd too, so it’s absolutely fine. His favorite pastime was playing on line games with his great friends who he had never met in person. By far, his favorite game to play was Dungeons and Dragons. He wrote and scripted elaborate campaigns and adventures for his friends and served as their Dungeon Master. He had been talking about a major game he had written for them that would be held that very Friday night. His other passion was saved for animals. He loved them all, but his biggest love was for his 24 toed calico cat, Baby. We adopted her from Pulaski County Humane Society. We request that any memorials be made to them. Nothing would make Hunter any happier. Hunter’s short 16 years doesn’t feel like long enough time for a life, but that was all that was given. He was a sweet, compassionate young man that cared deeply for his family and friends. He was also awkward, shy, and unsure of how to navigate dating and social issues as that was not his strong suit, like most teenaged boys. I know that Hunter believed in the Lord Jesus, and I know that we will see him again, but not in this life. He is at peace and in the presence of the Father. We must trust God and leave it all in His mighty hands. It was just Hunter’s appointed time. We don’t understand why but must walk by faith, not by sight. While we are sad to have lost Hunter from our daily lives, he will still remain in our hearts and memories as long as we live. Let us be grateful and happy that he was here, and that God blessed our lives with his presence and for the time He allowed us. As Hunter’s parents, I know we are. Matthew 5:4 KJV- “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”

Hunter Shane Ballard

January 15, 2009 - May 2, 2025