William E. (Bill) Ballou

William Eugene Ballou was born on April 8, 1939, in Sterling City, Texas and went to his heavenly home August 30, 2025. Called to ministry while in high school, he dedicated his life to gospel service. He graduated from Boyd High School in McKinney, Texas, earned a B.A. from Baylor University in 1960, and a Master of Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1963. That same year, he was ordained by First Baptist Church, McKinney. In 1961, he married Avonnell Bolton of Shreveport, whom he met at Baylor.

Bill served churches in Georgia and Mississippi before holding key ministry positions at Travis Avenue Baptist Church (Fort Worth), First Baptist Church (Amarillo), and First Baptist Church (Abilene). Following retirement in 2005, he and Avonnell moved to Tyler, Texas, where they remained active in church life. After Avonnell’s passing in 2013, Bill returned to pastoral ministry at Grace Baptist Church near Edom, Texas.

A devoted Baylor alumnus, Bill often expressed gratitude to the university for his education and for bringing Avonnell into his life. He was a life member of the Baylor Alumni Association, a former member of the Baylor Development Council, and founder of the endowed Avonnell Bolton Ballou Memorial Scholarship in the School of Education. He received the Milton T. Gregory Distinguished Service Award in 2002 and an honorary degree from Truett Seminary in 2007.

Beyond the local church, Bill served as moderator of three Baptist Associations, vice president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, and a frequent leader at conferences nationwide and abroad. He also preached revivals in multiple states and in New Zealand. In retirement, he and Avonnell led numerous group tours, including trips to Alaska and the Oberammergau Passion Play.

Bill found his greatest joy in sharing the message of salvation through John 3:16 and John 14:6.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oran and Leona Ballou; sister, Carlene Musser; and beloved wife of 52 years, Avonnell. He is survived by his daughter, Betsy Ballou of Newton, MS; son, Will Ballou (Leigh Ann) of Meridian, MS; grandchildren, Hayden Thrasher (Ashleigh), Mary Webb Ballou, Charlie Ballou (Caroline), and George Ballou; two great-grandchildren, Addison and William Thrasher; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 11 o’clock September 3, 2025, at Forest Park Cemetery, Shreveport. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: William E. and Avonnell Bolton Ballou Memorial Scholarship School of Education, Baylor University One Bear Place #97304, Waco, TX 76798