Robert James Ballew

Robert James Ballew passed away Sunday, April 22nd after a brief illness. He was 57 years old. Mr. Ballew was born in Romulus, New York on November 16, 1954. Robert and his wife, Kathleen, and their son, Marshall, have lived in Lake Asbury, Florida since 1983. Robert was a devoted husband, father, son, and brother, who loved his family and friends with great passion and dedication.

Robert graduated from Ed White High School in 1972. He attended Florida Community College at Jacksonville and Georgia Southern University. Robert was president and owner of Ballew Plumbing, and was a Florida state-licensed master plumber.

Robert grew up with a great love of the outdoors, and enjoyed hunting and fishing with his granddad, J.D. Peacock. He inherited his green thumb and respect for nature from his grandmother, Adel Peacock. Blessed with strong athletic ability which he attributed to his dad, he played several sports, but soccer was his favorite. He also found great pleasure in water skiing at his home on Lake Asbury with his family and friends. Robert's mom imparted her love of books to him, a gift which led to a lifetime as an avid reader with a keen interest in history, current events, and politics. His sense of humor and quick wit were well known to all who knew and loved him.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen, the love of his life. He is survived by his son, Marshall Ballew (Lillian); his parents, R.L. and Opal Ballew; sister, Marty Lyda; nephews: Jordan, Seth and Nathan Lyda, Adam Benson (Gina); nieces, Maureen and Meghan Benson; Tennessee cousins:
Bernice (Richard) McDaniel, Steve (Linda) Ballew, and David (Sandy) Ballew; brothers-in-law: Kim Benson (Marisue), Bryan Benson (Robin), Darin Benson; and sister-in-law Sharon Norman (Richard), as well as many other dear family members and friends.

Services will be held at 11:00 AM, on Saturday, April 28th, at Murray Hill Baptist Church, 4300 Post Street, Jacksonville, Florida. The family will receive visitors at 10:00 A.M., prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the St. Jude's Children's Hospital or the Make a Wish Foundation.