The Turtle Won

Christopher Ballis entered the world in Oak Ridge, Tennessee... The Atomic City... on July 31, 1959, to the adoration of an extended family that had overcome numerous challenges, from the immigration from Greece at age twelve of his paternal grandfather to the enduring strength of a maternal grandmother who raised eight kids in a distressed household. Drawing humor and irony from his world view as a Southern poet, Chris' perspective was shaped by youth sports, Baptist church attendance, college fraternity life, hard work and, ultimately, the love and devotion of his wife Effie, son Ronnie and many friends and family. Previously published in the NC State University literary periodical Windhover and Recollections of Yesterday by the National Library of Poetry, the wit and wisdom of Christopher Ballis carries a provocative spirit that will endure long after his passing on February 21, 2026.