Melvin Ballard

LaFAYETTE James Melvin Ballard, 64, of Niceville, Fla., formerly of LaFayette, died Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013.Melvin was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force; retiring with 20 years of service.Preceded in death by brothers, Bobby Ballard and Ernest Ballard; father, Doyle Lee Ballard.Survived by loving wife, Renae Patterson Ballard; mother, Ada Inez Ballard, of LaFayette; daughter, Stephanie (Rob) Brayshaw, of Tallahassee, Fla..; sisters, Hazel (Marion) Dover, Patsy Collins, Genelle (Steve) Harris and Darlene (Steve) Dixon; brothers, Winfred (Joann) Ballard and Wayne (Perri) Ballard, all of LaFayette; grandchildren, Evan Brayshaw and Matthew Brayshaw; several nieces and nephews also survive.Funeral from the Wallis Memorial Chapel at 3 p.m. Thursday. Service conducted by Rev. Patrick Cooper.Interment in McIntyre Cemetery.Family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8p.m. today.Arrangements are by Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.