Dallas County Probate Judge received a wonderful sendoff on Friday night at the George P. Evans Building.

Ballard will retire at the end of the month, ending 33 years as a Dallas County elected official, including the last 12 years as probate judge. He served two terms as a city councilman, two terms as a county commissioner and two terms as a probate judge.

“I feel good, I’m looking forward to retirement,” Ballard said.

Karen Ballard, Ballard’s wife, joked about having him home. They have three grown children and several grandchildren.

“He’ll be around the house all the time,” Karen Ballard joked. “Kim’s had a remarkable career in Dallas County.”

Several Dallas County officials gave warming tributes to Ballard.  All of the County Commissioners –  Valerie Reubin, Roy Moore, Larry Nickels and Curtis Williams – said they will be losing a family member.

“Kim Ballard is not only the probate judge, he’s my best friend,” Moore said in a cracked voice. “He’s like a brother to me.”

Former Selma Mayor George Evans said he had a great relationship with Ballard during his two terms as mayor.

“I’ve enjoyed working with Ballard all over the years,” Evans said. “He’s always been fair and treated everyone fair.”

Dallas County Circuit Clerk Lynnethia Robinson sang Mariah Carey’s 1990’s hit, Hero, and dedicated it to Ballard.

“Judge Ballard means a lot to me,” Robinson said. “When I was running for circuit clerk, he was always a listening ear. I hope to have a career like him.”

Dallas County Probate Judge-elect Jimmy Nunn, currently Selma’s city attorney, will be sworn in on Jan. 12 at 3 p.m. at Wallace Community College Selma Gymnasium. He attended the retirement.

Ballard had planned to light the Christmas tree at Valley Grande’s Christmas in the Park program on Saturday until the event got cancelled the Weather Channel forecast heavy rain in the area.

Several  officials attended Ballard’s retirement. Dallas County Sherriff Harris Huffman, Dallas County Sheriff-elect Mike Granthum, Selma City Council President Corey Bowie, councilwomen Miah Jackson and Jannie Thomas, former Mayor Rev. James Perkins, Circuit Court Judge Collins Pettaway, City Clerk Ivy Harrison and Valley Grande city clerk Janet Frasier all were present.