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, WA. with family by his side.  His passing

was due to conditions incurred while serving his country in Vietnam and Kuwait.

Gwyn was born June 11, 1945, in Zebulon, GA., to the late James Young Ballard and

the late Elizabeth Storey Ballard.  He attended schools in Pike County, GA. and Homestead,  FL.

After high school, Gwyn enlisted in the Army and attended Helicopter Flight Training at Ft. Rucker, AL.  He was deployed to Vietnam and served two tours there. During his military service, he also served tours in Korea, Germany, and Kuwait.  He received numerous commendations and medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross, a Bronze Star with

Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Air Medal.

During the break between his enlistments, he and his family lived in Concord, GA. where he did some farming and had a crop-dusting business.

After his military career, Gwyn began work with the Department of Defense, Army Corps of Engineers, Safety and Occupational Health Division.  In his job as a Safety Officer, he was assigned to units in Korea, Germany, and Alaska. He was living in Alaska when he retired and later moved to Ferndale, WA. During his retirement he enjoyed restoring classic cars, working in the yard, playing with his dog, Casey, and watching westerns (particularly John Wayne) on TV. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Ruby Ann Castles, brother-in-law Robert F. Castles, and Uncle Marvin E. Storey.  He is survived by his wife, Nuria Ballard, Palmer, AK.; daughter Valarie (Ernest) Keretz, Griffin, GA.; son Todd Ballard, Memphis, TN; daughter Stephanie (Frank) Stucjus, Flagstaff, AZ.; son Jurden (Joy) Ballard, Anchorage, AK; stepson Robert (Leah) Sadykov, Anchorage, AK; brother Perry Ballard, Griffin, GA; sister Nikki Ballard Ellard, Williamson, GA.; 10 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephew.

There will be a graveside service, with Military Honors, held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, 1:30pm at Williamson Methodist Church Cemetery, 20 Second District Rd., Williamson. There will be a gathering of friends and family after the service in the church fellowship hall. Pastor Ron Griffin is officiating, and Commander Bryan Richardson will be reading Mr. Ballard’s military biography. 

All donations made in memory of Marvin Gwyn Ballard should be made to The USO and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.