Dr. Robert L. Ballew III

Dr. Robert L. Ballew III, age 71, of Arab, Alabama, passed away Thursday, October 31, 2024 at Shepherd’s Cove Hospice in Albertville, AL. Robert was born July 1, 1953 in Marshall County, AL. His parents were Robert L. Ballew, Jr. and Damaris Shelton Ballew. He has been married to Soundra Jane Cox Ballew for over 48 years. Robert was a 1971 graduate of Arab High School. He continued his education by earning a Bachelor’s Degree from Athens State College, Master’s Degree from Emory University and Doctorate from Emmanuel Baptist University. For over 35 years Robert served as pastor for several area churches within the United Methodist Church North Alabama Conference. Robert was owner and operator of the Glasses for Less Optical Stores. He enjoyed participating as an enthusiastic performer as an Elvis impersonator. He loved visiting the Great Smoky Mountains with his family. Family was very important to Robert but he also had a heart for service. Not only did Robert serve as pastor but he was also a member of the Union Grove Masonic Lodge for over 50 years, a member of the Eastern Star Amanda King Chapter 472 in Arab, and the Cabaha Shriners in Huntsville. Family members Robert leaves behind to cherish their memories include his loving wife, Soundra Ballew; his sons, Robert L. Ballew IV (Kristen) and Joshua B. Ballew; granddaughter, Gracie Lynn Ballew; and his brother, Richard B. Ballew (Kristen); and a host of nieces and nephews. Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Damaris Ballew and his grandparents, Robert L Ballew, Sr., Ruth Thomas Ballew, Jessie Mae Shelton, and Shelby Shelton. Services for Robert are planned for Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel in Arab, AL. The family will receive friends, guests and those desiring to honor Robert’s memory at a visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. Reverend Glenn Conner will officiate. Burial will be in Arab Memorial Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Russ Gregory, Ken Gregory, Larry Gregory, John Gregory, Brandon Kilpatrick and David Evers. Arrangements have been entrusted to Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Shriners Hospital at lovetotherescue.org

Dr. Robert L. Ballew III

July 1, 1953 - October 31, 2024