Kelly “Wayne” Ballard

CAVE CITY – Kelly “Wayne” Ballard, age 56, passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at the Medical Center, Bowling Green, after a brief illness.

He was a native of Barren County in Kentucky. He was a 1988 graduate of Caverna High School and a 2013 Graduate of Western Kentucky University. He was a veteran of the Army National Guard of Kentucky and the United States Navy, during which he served one tour of duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom, after which he received his Honorable Discharge in 2003. He was a two-time recipient of the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, a two-time recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, a recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Army Comp Achievement Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon.

He enjoyed spending time with his beloved wife and children, reminding them always how loved they are. A lifelong caretaker and helper. The best father and husband. He was an avid sports fan, a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Cleveland Browns. But his favorite teams were the softball teams he helped coach. He loved nothing more than seeing his family flourish and supporting the dreams of his children, no matter what they were.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Jennifer Page Ballard of Cave City, Kentucky; his three children, Caeley Ballard, Zachary Ballard, and Aynzley Ballard all of Cave City, Kentucky; his mother, Bonnie Ballard of Cave City, Kentucky; and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins; as well as five cats, Charlie, Achilles, Georgie, Darcy, and Lilly.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 03, 2026, at 12:00 PM, at Winn Funeral Home. Burial will follow the service at the Cave City Cemetery, where full Military Honors will be provided by the DAV, Chapter 20 of Glasgow. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 02, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Winn Funeral Home, and will continue after 8:00 AM on Saturday until the time of the service at 12:00 PM.