Marvin Gwyn Ballard

Mr. Marvin Gwyn Ballard, age 77, passed away on April 28, 2023, at Peace Heart St. Joseph's Medical Center in Bellingham, Wash. Marvin was born on June 11, 1945, to the late James Young "J.Y." Ballard and Elizabeth Storey Ballard. He grew up in Pike County, Ga., and attended Pike County High School.

Marvin enlisted in the Army after high school and attended helicopter flight training at Fort Rucker, Ala. During his military service he served tours in Vietnam, Germany, and Iraq. He received numerous commendations and medals, including a Bronze Star and Distinguished Flying Cross.

After his military career, he began working for the Department of Defense, Army Corps of Engineers, Safety and Occupational Health Division. With this job, he was assigned to units in Korea, Germany, and Alaska.

After retiring, he moved to Ferndale, Wash., where he spent time restoring classic cars, watching westerns - John Wayne - working in the yard and playing with his dog, Casey.

Survivors include his wife, Nuria Ballard of Ferndale; daughter, Valarie (Ernie) Keretz of Griffin, Ga.; son, Todd Ballard of Memphis, Tenn.; daughter, Stephanie (Frank) Stucjus of Flagstaff, Ariz.; son, Jurden (Joy) Ballard; stepson, Robert (Leah) Sadykov of Anchorage, Alaska; brother, Perry (Isabel) Ballard of Griffin; sister, Nikki Ellard of Williamson, Ga.; 10 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Any donations in memory of Marvin should be made to The USO and St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.