James Allen Ballew

Allen Ballew, loving father, pappaw and great pappaw, 72, of Lexington, NC, died Thursday April 17th, 2025, at his home surrounded by his children following a period of declining health. He used up every bit of everything he had and made the best of his 72 years.

Born on a warm Saturday, June 14, 1952, in Davidson County, NC, Allen entered the world just as he left it, stubborn and doing things his own way. His parents were Rev. Junior Kenneth Ballew and Frankie Walser Ballew. He loved to laugh, good music, the outdoors, fishing and traveling to the mountains and the beach. He is preceded in death by his loving partner Georgia Ballew, his parents, and his brother Larry Ballew.

Surviving are his son, Jamey Ballew (Mande) of Lexington; daughter, Melissa Ballew of Portland, Oregon (Bre); sister, Bonnie Ballew Mauney and husband Jeff of Lexington; three grandchildren, Joseph Ballew, Emma Mowbray (Jake), and Michael Ballew (Korrie); and five (soon to be six) great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Katherine, Kalvin, Bexley, Annalai, and baby Mowbray; and several nieces and nephews;

Allen had many friends throughout his lifetime, most recently two wonderful souls who he loved dearly, Mary and Travis. The family thanks you for the happiness each of you brought to his life.

To honor Allen’s wishes, there will be no formal service. In lieu of gathering, the family encourages our friends and family throughout the world to turn up your favorite songs by Mississippi John Hurt, the Rolling Stones, George Thorogood, and Hank Williams Jr, and give a toast to those who are no longer with us. The family extends their gratitude to Hospice of Davidson County, to which we would be honored for all memorials to be directed there.