Former mayor, festival president remembered

On Thursday, May 26, Terry Ballard and his teammates hoisted a gold trophy into the air as they took first place in the Plant City History Trivia Challenge.

Mr. Ballard was known not only as a history buff but as one who made Plant City history. He was a former commissioner, mayor and Florida Strawberry Festival president. 

Mr. Ballard, 79, died Wednesday, June 22. 

His work in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World will not be forgotten by his family, friends and many acquaintances. 

“He had so much wisdom,” Paul Davis, Florida Strawberry Festival general manager, said. “He was like a moral compass. He always did things for the right reasons. That’s what’s so beautiful.”

As a director and president, Mr. Ballard served most by developing the festival through real estate planning. He was co-chairman with Gary Booth on several building committees. 

Davis said Mr. Ballard was essential in the acquisition of the Hull Building on the festival grounds. The Hull Building was once an armory owned by the National Guard. Mr. Ballard helped to orchestrate a trade with the National Guard, so the festival could acquire the Hull Building in exchange for land to build a new armory. 

“A lot of construction we’ve done over the years he’s played an integral part in the planning and operation,” Davis said. 

As a board member, Davis said, his decision-making style was insightful and unique, and he would stop by Davis’ office weekly to talk about festival happenings. 

“He had an uncanny ability to think outside of the box,” Davis said. “Everything he did was for the best of the festival and the city.” 

Mr. Ballard first served on the Plant City Commission in April 1972. He was elected to serve the unexpired term of C.J. Edwards, according to the city’s website. Mr. Ballard served through 1985 and was mayor in 1975, 1976 and 1977.

“He was very conservative about the moves that he made and he brought to the (Florida Strawberry Festival board), and same thing with the city,” longtime friend and fellow director Al Berry said. 

Gil Gott, executive director of the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center, said Mr. Ballard was always promoting the city. 

“Him and Al Berry were the walking history of Plant City,” Gott said. 

Mr. Ballard frequently stopped by the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center to talk history with Gott and drop off memorabilia. 

A set of maps from 1919. 

A railroad map that could cover a large table. 

“He liked to show what was what years ago,” Gott said. “It gave a whole new perspective.”

Besides being a commissioner, mayor and festival president, Mr. Ballard was also a bank executive at Hillsboro Bank and a brigadier general in the Florida National Guard. He served in the National Guard from 1952 to 1995 and traveled to Korea, Turkey, Italy and Panama. 

“He would always sit down and talk with such foresight and wisdom,” Davis said. “He was extremely successful and humble, which is rare.”

Mr. Ballard was born in Tampa to Arthur and Marie Ballard. He attended Plant City schools and graduated from the historic Plant City High School campus in 1954. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Daphne; and two daughters, Renita and Teresa. Funeral arrangements are being made through Hopewell Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens. 

“He was extremely passionate about the Florida Strawberry Festival. He lived for it.” — Al Berry

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.