Madison Archer Ballagh, 77, passed away on May 30, 2025.
A private graveside service will be held at Bush River Memorial Gardens.
Madison was born on December 16, 1947, in Charlotte, North Carolina, to Madison and Katherine Moss Ballagh.
He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era, stationed in Germany. While there, he had the opportunity to travel throughout much of Europe. After his service, Madison worked for the State of South Carolina. Upon retirement, he embraced his passion for travel, visiting Ireland, London, the Panama Canal (twice), Mexico, Chile, Canada, Manta, and Ecuador (where his daughter-in-law, Alicia, is from). He also traveled to every U.S. state except three. Madison was known for making friends wherever he went.
Each summer, he treasured spending a week at the beach with his son, Alex—both to bond and to give his wife a well-deserved break. He especially loved taking his grandson, David, fishing and spending quality time together. Madison will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
He was a longtime member of the Northwest YMCA for over 20 years. Though he claimed it was for exercise, he mostly went to socialize—he could strike up a conversation on just about any topic.As a child, Madison was baptized Methodist and, in his later years, regularly watched Dr. Charles Stanley’s sermons on TV when his health prevented him from attending church in person.
Madison is survived by his loving wife, Annie Bustle Ballagh; his son, Madison Alexander Ballagh (Alicia); his cherished grandson, David Alexander Ballagh; and his sisters, Katherine Young and Elizabeth Kutcher (Jim), along with their families of Charlotte.
The Ballagh family is being assisted during this time by Temples-Halloran Funeral Home.