Thomas William Ballman of Gallatin, Tennessee passed away surrounded by his beloved family at 68 years old in Nashville, Tennessee on Saturday, December 17, 2022.
Born to Robert and Mildred Ballman in Cincinnati, Ohio, Tom attended Moeller High School in Cincinnati where he played baseball and football. He loved baseball at Moeller and with his team, they won the State Championship his senior year in 1972 under the leadership of Coach Mike Cameron. Still to this day, he holds the record at Moeller for going 5 for 5 in one game.
He earned an athletic scholarship to play football at Vanderbilt where he played Offensive Lineman from 1973 through 1976. During that time, he made all SEC, played in Peach Bowl in 1974 and in the All American Bowl in 1976 and was team Captain in 1976 his senior year. He was coached by the best including Gerry Faust, Steve Sloan, Bill Parcell and Fred Pancoast. Vanderbilt’s Head Recruiter was Nashvillian, Larry Schmittou, who actually brought him to Nashville from Moeller. Tom also visited Notre Dame, but when he arrived in Nashville he knew it was where he wanted and needed to be.
His Vanderbilt Alumni named “The Vandy Boys” initiated by his best and loyal friend Doug Humphreys, started a Tom Ballman Scholarship Program in 2021. Tom was incredibly honored and humbled.
After college, Tom began his career at Roadway Express who merged with Yellow Freight and he retired in 2016. He held the positions of Terminal Manager and Account Executive. He made many friends there who still stay in touch with him. He was loved and respected. He only missed 2 days other than company approved personal days. He had a stellar work ethic.
Tom’s love for sports was unmatched – especially his admiration and dedication to the game of football. He was passionate about his Vanderbilt Commodores and his Tennessee Titans. He prided himself with his knowledge of the game and the players. He was happily known as “The Beerman” from his days at the Titans Stadium helping with refreshments on the first day that fans were invited to see their PSL seats.
The only thing Tom loved more than his sports was his precious family. He was lovingly known as “Poppy” to his seven grandchildren. He will be deeply missed in each of their sweet hearts.
He is survived by his loving wife, Terrie Ballman, and children, Jackson Ballman, Jerry (Jen) Springer, and Stacy (Garan) Yotter; grandchildren, Wyatt (Madisson) Springer, Luke Springer, Drew Springer, Joslin Yotter, Grant Yotter, Olivia Yotter, and Sydney Hackworth; brother, Joe (Beth) Ballman; sister-in-law, Sharon Ballman; brothers-in-law Bobby (Vicki) Joslin and Don Joslin; nephews, Brian Ballman, Andy (Jen) Ballman, Jason Ballman; nieces, Jen (Craig) Bailey, Michelle Ballman, Shannon Ballman, Kimberly (Kerry) Rogers, Jennifer (Scott) Brown, Kayla (Josh) Mirenda; great-nephews, Reece Ballman, Zack Ballman, Brady Ballman, Drew Ballman, Ben Ballman, Mason Rogers and Jacob Joslin; great nieces, Alyssa Ballman, Jenna Ballman, MacKenzie Ballman, Myka Ballman, Chloe Ballman, Alli Ballman, Kaelin Howe, and Lilly Mirenda.
Preceded in death by parents, Robert and Mildred Ballman; brothers, Mike and Tim Ballman; sister, Kathy Ballman; sister-in-law, Becky Joslin; niece, Kristin Howe; nephew, Little Bobby Joslin.
Funeral Services will be conducted on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at 1:00 P.M. from the Chapel of Sumner Funeral & Cremation Lakeside. Interment will follow in Crestview Memory Gardens. Visitation with the family will be on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 from 3:00 – 7:00 P.M. and on Wednesday from 11:00 A.M. until time of the service.
Arrangements Entrusted to: Sumner Funeral & Cremation Lakeside, Hendersonville (615) 822-4442 www.sumnerfuneral.com
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