By T. Scott Boatright
Sometimes people are more special because of who they are than what they are, even when they are great in both aspects.
Dr. Richard Ballard was one of those greats.
Ballard passed away over the weekend at the age of 67, leaving a trail of heartbreak across Grambling State University and Lincoln Parish as a whole.
After graduating from LSU School of Medicine in 1982, Ballard completed his internship and residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
Ballard specialized in sports medicine, pediatric orthopedics, and traumatology and began his practice as an orthopedic surgeon at Green Clinic in 1987, following his residency.
It did not take long for Ballard to become a Lincoln Parish favorite.
“It is truly disheartening to hear about such a loss,” read a Facebook message from Jeffrey Nilda Dumas. “He was a remarkable individual who dedicated his life to assisting those in need, particularly the uninsured and those unable to afford medical care. He was also a friend. Rest in peace Doctor Ballard.”
Ballard served as a team doctor for Grambling State University for years and became a much beloved part of “Gram Fam.”
“Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the Ballard family during this time,” Grambling State President Dr. Martin Lemelle said in a Facebook post. “Thank you, Dr. Ballard, for your unwavering dedication to Grambling State University.”
Ballard was the team doctor for both of Super Bowl MVP and Grambling State legend Doug Williams’ stints as head coach of the G-Men.
“I love Dr Ballard, he was and will forever be a G-Man,” Williams said. “I wish I had a chance to tell him how much we appreciated him.
“But at the same time, I knew in my heart he was aware during my time working with him and after I was gone. I loved seeing him and Marcia at Bayou Classics. He will be sorely missed.”
After graduating from LSU School of Medicine in 1982, Ballard completed his internship and residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
In addition to his general orthopedic training, Ballard also received specialized training in sports medicine, pediatric orthopedics, and traumatology. He began his practice as an orthopedic surgeon at Green Clinic in 1987, following his residency.
Former Grambling State and Kansas City Chief standout Leonard Griffin became friends long after Griffin’s playing days as a G-Men.
That does not mean Ballard did not come through for Griffin as he did for so many others,
“One Thanksgiving my wife and I were visiting my brother in Bastrop on our way to New Orleans for the Bayou Classic,” Griffin said. “As my wife was descending the steps, she turned her ankle and snapped it two. I rushed her to the local hospital, and they said they couldn’t do anything until after the Thanksgiving holidays ending on Monday.
“I then brought her over to Monroe and was told the same thing. Out of desperation, I called Ricky McCall, and asked for Doc’s phone number. I called him at home, and he met us at SuperOne in Ruston. He told me to take her over to Green Clinic for pre-op. The next morning Friday he put pins in her ankle with a smile. To this day, she has cherished his kindness. He will be forever in our hearts.”
Another fixture on the GSU sideline, former basketball coach and Athletics Director David “Rusty” Ponton also fondly remembers Ballard.
“Dr. Richard Ballard is and has been for over three decades one of the most professional, dedicated, loyal and committed members of our Grambling State University athletic family,” Ponton said. “His love for GSU and unwavering support will be remembered and appreciated by all whose lives were touched by the man we know and love as Dr. B!”
College Baseball Hall of Fame coach Wilbert Ellis is proud of his decades of friendship with Ballard.
“He was a good man — he cared,” Ellis said. “He cared about everyone. He took care of people regardless of whether they could afford it or not. He wasn’t about money. He was about caring and love.
“Dr. Ballard was special. This is a big loss for everyone.”
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