Rodney Edward Ballard

Rodney Edward Ballard, of East Ridge, Tennessee, passed away surrounded by loved ones on August 13, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born and raised in East Ridge to Edward and Jane Ballard on March 31, 1965, Rodney attended East Ridge High School, where he was a proud Pioneer. During his time there, he forged lifelong friendships and built a remarkably successful athletic career. He earned numerous awards and state titles in football, track, and wrestling, but he truly shined on the football field. To this day, people still marvel at how he left every opponent he faced in the dust.

Rodney briefly attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville before returning to Chattanooga, where he married his childhood friend, Cheri Preston, and had two children, Preston and Chaylan Ballard, whom he considered his greatest achievements and deepest source of pride. He loved his parents and sisters deeply and always had their backs.

Rodney was larger than life—a fierce protector, fearless daredevil, avid outdoorsman, playful goofball, car and music enthusiast—and someone who loved his friends and family wholeheartedly. He was widely known for always “sticking up for the little guy.”

He will be remembered not only as the hometown football hero, but also as a devoted friend and a loving father, son, and brother.

Rodney was preceded in death by his father, Edward Ballard.

He is survived by his two children, Preston and Chaylan Ballard; his mother, Jane Ballard; and his sisters, Vicki Ballard and Valerie Ballard Hayes (Bo).

Visitation will be held at Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel on Tuesday, Aug. 19, at 3 p.m. with a funeral service immediately following at 6 p.m.

Please share your thoughts and memories of Rodney at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com

Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel, 404 S. Moore Road, East Ridge, has been entrusted with the arrangements.