Joel William Harvey Lamar Ballard, II

SANTA FE – Mr. Joel William Harvey Lamar Ballard, II, passed away at the age of 54 on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

Born September 1, 1971, in Texas City, Mr. Ballard was a lifelong resident of Santa Fe. Joel lived life with a deep love for the outdoors, hard work, and the people he cherished most. He owned and operated a hay baling business and worked with C&M Dirt Work and was known for his strong work ethic and willingness to lend a helping hand. Joel was an accomplished team roper, an experienced hunting guide, and enjoyed training dogs and raising exotic birds. He proudly served for several years on the Galveston County Rodeo Committee, where he helped support and promote the western lifestyle he loved. Whether he was hunting, fishing, or spending time on the ranch, Joel found joy in God's creation and the simple pleasures of life. His strength and resilience were unapparelled. Above all, he treasured every moment spent with his family and friends, creating memories that will be remembered and cherished for years to come.

He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Harvey Rose.

Survivors include his mother, Ethel Mitchell; father, Rex Ballard, Sr.; stepsons, Lane Walker and wife, Kaylee, Cody Jack Rambin; brothers, Rex Ballard, Jr., and wife, Christy, Christopher Ballard and wife, Megan, Dean Mitchell and wife, Anna; sisters, Alecia Ballard Rose and Mike Bland, Dee Dee Willard and husband, Jim; step-grandchildren, Adi Jo Walker, Johnny Walker, Rosie Walker.

Visitation with the family will be from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in the chapel of Hayes Funeral Home, 10412 Highway 6, Hitchcock, Texas, with Pastor Dean Mitchell officiating.

Honorary pallbearers will be Arthur Carpenter, Joel Carpenter, Rex Carpenter, Chad Gaston, Mason Gaston, Jerry Hall, Chance Gardner and Foy Varner.

Memorials in the form of donations may be made in Joel’s name to Haze Lewis Gardner Legacy Foundation, https://hazegardnerlegacy.com, or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, https://nationalmssociety.org. 

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