Heath Ballard, 39, of Gatesville, passed away in Austin, Friday, Feb. 17, 2012.

Heath was born in Palestine, Texas on June 8, 1972, to Harold and Lurline Ballard. At an early age, the family moved to Gatesville. Heath was active in sports at Gatesville High School where he graduated in 1990. Heath loved football, the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers and Texas A&M. Heath was employed at TDCJ for 14 years and was a Lieutenant at the Hughes Unit. He then went to work at BNSF Railway from 2004- present as an engineer. He was very supportive of his sons sports and was always at his games when he was not working out of town. He married Jennifer on June 18, 2002.

Heath was preceded in death by his father, Harold Ballard; his former wife, Tammy McColsky; and his grandfather, Frank Korenek.

He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Ballard; his mother, Lurline Wilburn of Gatesville; grandmother, Bessie Korenek of Angelton, Texas; his sons, Tyler Ballard and Ethan Hampton, both of Gatesville; a daughter, Laken Jordan of Arlington; his sister, Elizabeth Forrester of Gatesville; brother, Stephan Hunt of Pittsburg, Texas; nephew Drennon Forrester; and several nieces, nephews. Heath loved and was loved by his faithful dog "Bruiser" who he called "daddys boy".