CONNIE SHAW BALLARD
Connie Shaw Ballard, 85, entered into eternal rest at her home in Sumter, South Carolina, on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026.
Born on July 2, 1940, in Macon, Georgia, she was the daughter of the late Ethel Clance Shaw and Lewis Aaron Shaw.
Connie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Marvin K. Ballard Jr., a long-practicing psychiatrist in Sumter; her sister, Kay Shaw Miller; and a host of "golf angels" including Kat Sally, Dori Bryant, Mary Krumpotich, Jeanne Campbell, Walton Horton, Dot Gardenhire, Ester Reynolds and Cary Boyd, with whom she is surely teeing off now.
A force of nature both in life and on the fairway, Connie dominated South Carolina women’s golf for three decades. Her prowess culminated in consecutive state victories: the 1986 SC Women's Match Play Championship and the 1987 SC Women's Open Championship. Her leadership extended beyond the scorecard, serving as president of the South Carolina Women's Golf Association and president of the Athletic Association at Wilson Hall.
Off the course, family and friends were witness to her quick humor, "professional" driving skills, love for her dogs and a tenderness frequently masked by her signature big-girl gruffness. She loved big, she laughed big, and she lived unapologetically.
She is survived by her daughter Elizabeth “Beth” Ballard Kinney and her husband, William Byron Kinney; her son Marvin K. "Tripp" Ballard III and his wife, Laura Pond Ballard, of Houston, Texas; and her sister, Jackie Shaw Raburn and her husband, Philip Lewis Raburn.
She also leaves behind a legacy of grandchildren: William Ballard Kinney and his wife, Betsy Cunningham Kinney; Andrew Byron Kinney and his wife, Taylor Berry Kinney; James Clark Kinney; Marvin Kendrick Ballard IV; John Stewart Ballard; and Margaret Shaw Ballard; as well as her great-granddaughter, Reece Eleanor Kinney.
Connie’s daughter Beth Kinney and son Tripp Ballard offer their sincere gratitude to Dr. David Theo Lake and the many caregivers at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital. They would especially like to honor Ann Lee Dinkins — who served as a dear friend, counselor and life comrade.
Graveside services will be held on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Sumter Cemetery, 700 W Oakland Ave., Sumter, with the Rev. Josie Holler presiding.
Donations and memorials may be made to Saving Sumter Strays at 1230 Winkles Road, Sumter, SC 29153, or First Presbyterian Church of Sumter, 9 W Calhoun St., Sumter, SC 29150.
Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com.
Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is assisting the family with arrangements.