Earl Riley Ballinger

Earl Riley Ballinger, 84, of Fayette, Alabama, passed away peacefully at home on May 19, 2024, surrounded by his beloved family.
 

Earl was born on August 26, 1939 to James Hamilton and Artie Mae White Ballinger in the Mt. Vernon community of Fayette. After graduating from Fayette County High School, Earl and his wife, Linda Jean Ballinger, lived and worked in the Fayette community. The two had three children: Brenda Robbins (James), Beth Wallace (Heath), and Janet Litton (Brian).
 

Earl Ballinger is preceded in death by his wife, Linda Jean Ballinger; parents, James Hamilton Ballinger & Artie Mae Ballinger; siblings, Jimmie Lou Ballinger Thompson, James Lavaughn Ballinger, & Gravis Leslie Ballinger; and great-grandchild, Tinsley Beth Colvin. He is survived by his daughters, Brenda Robbins (James), Beth Wallace (Heath), & Janet Litton (Brian); grandchildren, Stentsen Ellenburg (Sara), Carol Zeanah (Zeke), Tory Colvin (Michael), Jarrod Litton (Lindsay), Case O’Dell (Chelsea), Anna Eastman (Jagger), Amelia O’Dell, Joy Wilson (Mario), Dylan Schoerb, & Nick Kelly; 17 great-grandchildren; 7 siblings, Leon Ballinger, Linton Ballinger, Lomax Ballinger, Larry Ballinger, Buddy Ballinger, Edwin Ballinger and Elaine Jenkins;  and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.
 

Mr. Earl Ballinger was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle. He was affectionately known as daddy, pawpaw, pappy, and other nicknames provided by family and acquaintances. Earl was a gifted athlete and supporter of local athletic programs. He was inducted into the Fayette County Sports Hall of Fame for his accomplishments as a player, coach, and official. He continued his support of athletics by proudly attending as many games, performances, and meets for his family as he could, even as recently as this year. Earl was also an active member of his church, Mt. Lebanon Baptist, where he attended and served dutifully for decades. He leaves a profound legacy of faith, love, service, and family.
 

A visitation will be held at Calvary Baptist Church on May 21, 2024, from 12:00 to 2:00 pm. The family will hold a private service at a later time.

Pallbearers will be: Stentson Ellenburg, Zeke Zeanah, Dylan Schloerb, Case O'Dell, Michael Colvin, MJ Duke, Jarrod Litton, Nick Kelly, Jagger Eastmon, and Mario Wilson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his honor to the following organizations:
American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/donate/memorial-giving.html
202 Tiger Drive, Fayette AL, Attn: FCHS Baseball

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