Gary Ethelbert Ballard

Obituary Gary Ethelbert Ballard, a lifelong resident of Pocomoke City, Maryland, was born on October 3, 1956 to Hilda Ballard Conner and Randall Poole, Sr. in Salisbury, Maryland. He entered into eternal rest on Sunday, November 19, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. In his early years, Gary was educated in the Somerset County Public School System. He later attended Pocomoke High School, graduating with the Class of 1975. Gary met and married his wife, Faith Walston Ballard, in July of 1977. Gary worked as a farmer for over 40 years and enjoyed every aspect of the business. He loved the outdoors and could often be found out in the field or on a tractor. Gary had a special bond with his three grandsons, Darius, Geremiah and Jaden. He enjoyed spending quality time with them, teaching them how to drive, giving them advice and often reminding them of the importance of a good education. Gary lived his life to the fullest, and according to his own standards. The simple things in life were more important to him than extravagance and wealth. In the final days of his life, Gary made peace with his loved ones and because of God’s unfailing grace and mercy, he forgave and was forgiven. On Friday, November 10, 2017, Gary asked his Lord and Savior for forgiveness of his sins and rededicated his life to Christ. His loved ones were by his bedside singing “I Won’t Complain” as Gary occasionally joined in to reaffirm his love of God and family. Gary leaves to cherish fond memories with: his mother, Hilda Conner; stepfather, Alton Conner, Sr.; father, Randall Poole, Sr. and stepmother Shirley Poole; wife, Faith Ballard; son, Gary Paul Ballard; daughter, Kelli Cropper; three grandsons, Darius Ballard, Geremiah Ballard and Jaden Cropper; three sisters, Tracy Hall, Tammy Clark (Kenneth) and Rhonda Thornton (Terry); one brother, Randall Poole, Jr.; one stepbrother, Alton Conner, Sr.; six nephews, Dialo, Chris, Elias, Christian, Marc and Cameron; three nieces, Amy, Latannia and Kimberley and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends. Gary was preceded in death by his brothers, Jeffrey Ballard and Bruce Ballard. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary Ethelbert Ballard, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Gary Ethelbert Ballard

October 3, 1956 - November 19, 2017