Edward Evan Ballinger

Edward Evan Ballinger, affectionately known as “Baby Brother”/”Brother”, age 83, of Middlesboro, KY, entered his Heavenly home on Saturday, January 4, 2025. He was born on January 7, 1941, in Middlesboro, KY to the late Julius Ballenger and Mildred Hardy McCombs. 

Edward was a United States Army veteran who served during the Vietnam War. He received the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal during his tour of duty.

Edward retired from Kentucky Utilities. He served for six years on the Middlesboro Independent Schools Board and was a longtime member of Mount Moriah Baptist Church, Middlesboro, KY. As a young boy, Edward was a member of the first integrated Little League team in Kentucky who went on to win the state Little League championship in 1954.

In addition to his parents, Edward was preceded in death by his sisters, Debbie McCombs, Annette Williams, and Velma Foster; and his beloved fur baby, Little Bit.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 56 years, Carrie Bing Ballinger; daughters, Audra (Roger) Cleveland, Lexington, KY, and April Ballinger, Louisville, KY; grandchildren, Maya Lene’ Cleveland, Dorian Evan Cleveland, and Taylor Michelle Cleveland; sister, Alberta (Richard) Blackburn; sister-in-law, Myrtle (John) Barnes; brother-in-law, Donnie (Pam) Bing; and special friend, Robert Taylor; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

The family of Edward Ballinger will receive friends on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Cawood Funeral Home Chapel, Middlesboro, KY. Funeral services will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Mark Clark presiding. 

At the conclusion of the funeral service, family and friends will travel in procession to Green Hills Memorial Gardens, Middlesboro, KY, where graveside services will be held.

Pallbearers will be Dorian Cleveland, Joey McCombs, Brian Williams, Richard Blackburn, Jr., Seth Chappie, James McCann, Jr., Jerome Costner, and Byron Costner. Honorary pallbearers will be Roger Cleveland, Sam Coleman, Bobby Gayles and James Boxx, Sr.

Online register book and condolences are available at www.cawoodfh.com.

All arrangements for Edward Evan Ballinger are under the care of Cawood Funeral Home, Middlesboro, KY.