John Ballard, a Habersham County native and former candidate for Cornelia’s Ward 3 commission seat, has died. The cause of death was cancer.
A celebration of life will take place at Camp Mikell on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 12 p.m.
Ballard, who formerly served on the city of Cornelia’s Planning Commission, was the son of Phillip and Margaret Ballard – the former Cornelia mayor who died in office in 2011. John Ballard ran for the Ward 3 commission seat in 2021.
“John’s legacy lives on at Mikell through his life of service, and his presence here will be deeply missed,” Camp Mikell Camp and Conference Center posted to Facebook on Monday. “John was a third generation camper, a counselor, and worked on summer staff through his college years. More recently John has volunteered with DYC, served on the Mikell Board of Governors, taught wood turning at the Allan Folk School, and spent several summers as a work camp deans staff member.”
The family requests those who attend to wear blue or green – John’s favorite colors.
The family also asks that, in lieu of flowers, to consider supporting Camp Mikell.
