Obituary of Walter Paige Ballard

Walter Paige Ballard II, 73, of Sterling, VA, passed away on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 5:30 p.m.  He was born November 12, 1944 at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.

Paige is survived by his wife, Melanie Dianne, sons Lane Paige (Carolyn) Ballard, Seth Preston (Lara) Ballard, daughters April Kathleen (Bruce) Redmon, Autumn Joy (Dewayne) Hutko, and precious grandchildren William, Timothy, Kaidan, Caitlin, Sydney, Gavin, Stella, Madeline, Samantha, and Ava.

Paige began his career proudly serving his country in the U.S. Navy before continuing his public service with a 33-year career in the U.S. Forest Service.  No matter his role or position throughout his career, he brought joy and enthusiasm to everything he did.  He became an entrepreneur in his retirement putting together entertainment programs for senior centers.

Known affectionately as BoBo to his grandchildren, Paige enjoyed his retirement by spending time with his grandchildren and family.  From simple hikes or kayak outings, to multi-week cross country train trips, he loved spending time with his grandkids.  Just one week ago, he took one of his grandsons on a train trip to see the full solar eclipse.  He also loved riding his Harley Davidson, taking Jeep rides with his wife and going on cruises to various ports of call.

Paige’s faith in Jesus Christ was the core of who he was.  No one was a stranger to Paige and he lived his faith every day in the way he treated everyone around him. He put great effort toward taking every opportunity to create family memories. Family always came first and his focus on family traditions was unwavering.  From singing annual hymns on Thanksgiving and watching the Walton’s Homecoming, to reading “Awful, Awful Abigail” Christmas Eve, cooking “Jonny Cakes” Christmas morning, and listening to Grandpa Walton’s blessing, Paige held tight to traditions and his family continues to be deeply blessed by his gifts.

Simply put, Paige Ballard was truly a good man. 

On September 9, 2017, Paige and Dianne would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM on Friday, September 1, 2017 at Adams Green Funeral Home.  A celebratory of Paige's home going will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, September 1, 2017 at Adams Green Funeral Home with Rev. Tony Pedroni officiating. Internment is planned to take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.