George Ballas | |
|---|---|
| Born | George Charles Ballas June 28, 1925 Ruston, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Died | June 25, 2011 (aged 85) Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| Known for | Founder of Weed Eater |
| Spouse |
Maria Marulanda (m. 1951) |
| Children | 5, including Corky Ballas |
| Relatives | Mark Ballas (grandson) |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1942–1953 |
| Commands | Bombardier and Second Lt. and OSI Agent |
| Battles / wars | World War II Korean War |
George Charles Ballas Sr. (June 28, 1925 – June 25, 2011) was an American entrepreneur. He invented the first string trimmer, known as the Weed Eater in 1971.[1] He was the father of ballroom dancer, Corky Ballas, and grandfather of professional dancer Mark Ballas of Dancing with the Stars.[2]