William Bryan Ballard III
William Bryan Ballard III, a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on July 30, 2025.
He was born on Nov. 20, 1965, in Fort Wayne, Ind., to William Bryan Ballard, Jr. and Sally Jo Ballard.
Bryan was a natural athlete who excelled in numerous sports throughout his life. He achieved many awards in competitive diving, track and field, basketball, and football.
A true Wildcat for life, Bryan was a proud graduate of Anna-Jonesboro Community High School and remained a devoted supporter of all Anna-Jonesboro Wildcats sports teams.
After high school, he attended Murray State University, where he channeled his athletic spirit into being a spot cheerleader for the Murray State Racers.
After college, Bryan became a man of many trades, consistently dedicating himself to giving back and taking care of others, both personally and professionally.
His diverse career path included roles as an EMT, a prison guard, a lifeguard, a diving coach, a football coach, and many other accolades too numerous to mention.
He loved animals deeply and had begun pursuing a degree as a Veterinary Technician.
Bryan was often the first one on the scene for accidents, performing life-saving measures with courage and compassion.
Bryan truly lived life to the fullest. Even after he became ill, his spirit remained indomitable; he never knew a stranger and would strike up a conversation with anyone.
He put a remarkable number of miles on his motorized scooter when he could no longer walk, embodying his zest for life. If Bryan could share one message with us today, it would undoubtedly be: "Live life to the fullest because you only live once!" And that, he certainly did.
Anyone who knew Bryan understood his deep passions: his love for sports, his unwavering devotion to his family, the constant companionship of a beloved dog by his side, and his profound commitment to helping others.
His vibrant spirit and zest for life will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Bryan is survived by his loving parents, William Bryan Ballard, Jr. and Sally Jo Ballard; his siblings, Joshua Ballard of Champaign, Ill., Sarah (Brent) Sims of Anna, Ill., and Jami (Matthew) Peters of Jackson, Mo.
He also leaves behind a cherished group of nieces and nephews: Zane (Emily Gregge) DeWitt, Hannah (Nicholas) Proctor, Taeborn DeWitt, Carter Sims, Cash Sims, Heidi Ballard, Grady Ballard, Miles Ballard, Kylie Peters, and Gunner Peters.
Bryan was also a proud great-uncle to Monroe Proctor, Kade DeWitt, and Oliver DeWitt. He is further survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and many individuals he embraced and loved like family.
A celebration of Bryan's life will be held at the Anna Elks Lodge on August 17, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Bryan's wishes were to be cremated.
Memorials can be made to Crain Funeral Home to help cover expenses.
Crain Funeral Home in Anna, Illinois is in charge of arrangements.