Will T. Ballard was born to the union of Claude Ballard and Lula Smith Ballard on August 22, 1935, in Fayette, Mississippi.

After his mother's death, he and his three siblings moved in with their grandmother, Josie Bowie.

Being a man of courage, commitment , and determination, he decided to seek greater opportunities in Baton Rouge Louisiana. His grandmother and siblings joined him later.

Will T. worked many years as a waiter before launching his landscaping business. For over forty years he employed many local and talented people.

His strong belief in God was displayed by the many committees he served on after he became a member of St. Joseph Baptist Church. Those roles included membership in the Choir, Male Chorus, The Willing Workers, The Outreach Ministry, and the Deacon Board.

He is survived by his life partner Emma Ambrose, and his children Cassandra Wheeler, Bonnie Ambrose (Felix), and Timothy Ambrose (Paula). One sister, Rosalie Johnson (Sunny), and one sister-in-law, Bertha Coleman; six grandchildren, Aislinn Wheeler, Ashton Wheeler, Jessica Ambrose, Tamika Burnett, Tanishia "Shay" Burnett-Poston (Jacolby), Isaac Burnett IV, Tracy Ballard-Bouey (Cornelius) and Dominique Ballard-Mason (Christopher), and nine great-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, four children, one grandson, nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.