Gerald Byron "Jerry" Bal-lard, 57, of Gainesville, Ga. died Jan. 15, 2005. Ballard was president and owner of Jerry Ballard Homes. Ballard was presented the Chet Wells SerVice Award from the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce in 1982 and the Outstanding Business Person of Fayette County for 1986. He was named Builder of the Year and was President of the Midwest Georgia Builders Association in 1980. He was a long-standing member of the Rotary Club.

Ballard started building homes in Fayetteville in 1979. He also developed LaFayette Center, built a nursing home, shopping centers, apartment complexes and commercial buildings.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanie Wilson Ballard, Gainesville; parents, Joseph and Lucille Ballard, Jonesboro; brother, Douglas C. Ballard, Duluth; sister, Beverly Roberts, Bethsaida, Md.; nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Jan. 20, 2005 at Jonesboro First Baptist Church. Dr. Charles Carter and Dr. Dean Haun officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Joseph Sams School, 280 Brandywine Bivd., Fayetteville, Ga. 30214.