Mr. Franklin McGarvey "Lin" Ballard, age 83, of Toccoa, passed away June 12, 2020 at home with his wife and family by his side.

Born June 26, 1936 in Mopti, Mali, West Africa, he is the son of Franklin Ballard and Lura McGarvey Ballard.

He served the Lord as a missionary in West Africa with the Christian and Missionary Alliance for 40 years. His ministry included church planting, training church leaders, dorm parent for missionary kids and business administration.

After retirement he enjoyed working at the Georgia Baptist Assembly in Toccoa, traveling around the world with his wife and loved spending time with his friends and family, especially his grandchildren. He lived a life of gratitude until the end and leaves a legacy of love and compassion.

Family members include his wife, Carolyn Eckman Ballard, sister Clela Ballard, daughter Virginia Ballard Love, sons Jerry Ballard (Joni) and Allan Ballard (Robbin), step-son Jonathan Eckman (April), step-daughters Susanna Gailer (John), Deborah Knickerbocker (David), Grace Miller (Eddie), 17 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Franklin and Lura Ballard, first wife Myrna Jones Ballard, and sister Patricia Hokanson.

Due to the conditions concerning the health and well-being of our community, the family will not be receiving friends or having a public service. The family will have a private graveside service at Stephens Memorial Garden with Rev. John Gailer officiating.

Pallbearers are Corey Ballard, Evan Ballard, Johnny Gailer, Steve Hokanson, Lance Martin, and David Knickerbocker.

Burial will follow.

Please keep the Ballard family in your thoughts and prayers and sign the online guestbook at www.whitlockmortuary.net .

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Paradise Mountain Ministries , 78 Paradise Drive, Toccoa, GA 30577.

Whitlock Mortuary is honored to be serving the family of Franklin McGarvy Ballard.