JAY GASTON BALLARD, JR.

Wasilla resident Jay Gaston Ballard, 62, died June 26, 2001 at Valley Hospital in Palmer, after a lengthy battle with cancer. A graveside service will be announced at a later time.

Mr. Ballard was born March 6, 1939, in Charlotte, N.C. He served with the U.S. Air Force from March 20, 1960 to March 22, 1963. His family said: "He came to Alaska from North Carolina in 1964 right after the big earthquake and remained in Alaska since then."

During his time in Alaska he worked at Sunrise Bakery, had his own janitorial services and also worked in the construction industry.

Mr. Ballard is survived by his sisters, Delores Richards of Anchorage, Carolyn Ballard of Altus, Okla., and Mary Lee McKinney of Charlotte, N.C. He was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Ballard, and father, Jay Ballard Sr.

Arrangements were made by Witzleben Family Funeral Homes & Crematory.