Virgil Lockard Jr.

     Virgil was born on July 18, 1948 to Virgil Lockard Sr. and Mary Varney Lockard. He grew up in the “back alley” of a coal camp in Hardy, KY. Virgil played eleven years of organized baseball. Even though he played other sports, baseball was his favorite. After graduating Belfry High School, he married his sweetheart, Shelia Kay Blackburn on May 17, 1969. They shared many years of love, memories, laughter, and hardships. Virgil and Shelia were saved together in May of 1972. He said that becoming a Christian worked order in his life that wouldn’t have been there if not for his Savior. He worked diligently on the railroad for 39 ½ years. Virgil was preceded in death by: His father, Virgil Lockard Sr.; His mother, Mary Alice Lockard; and His Brother-inlaw, Raymond Tex Childers. Virgil is survived by his wife: Shelia Lockard of Hardy, KY; three daughters: Angie (Jon) Wilkes of Allen, KY, Kristy (Calvin) Ballou of Hardy, KY, and Carrie April Lockard of Hardy, KY; two sisters: Helen Childers of Williamson, WV and Betty (Tommy) Burchell of Huntington, WV; two brothers: Ted (Brenda) Lockard of Hardy, KY and Dave (Terri) Lockard of Hardy, KY; five grandchildren: Bradley David Ballou, Maggie Ann Wilkes, Emily Alice Ballou, Rebecca Lynn Wilkes, and Jonathan Dale Wilkes. Virgil faithfully served at First Baptist Church of Belfry as a Sunday School teacher and as a Deacon for many years. When asked to look back on his life and sum it all up, he said, “All that I am, I owe to God, my parents, and my family.” Virgil was a hero and inspiration to many, not because of his earthly accomplishments, but because of a firm faith and love that put others ahead of himself. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 12, 2017, beginning at 1 PM at the First Baptist Church of Belfry with Brother Mark Helton officiating. Burial will follow in the Julius Scott Cemetery, Hardy, KY. Pallbearers will be his fellow Deacons of the First Baptist Church of Belfry. Visitation will be held from 6 - 9 PM Wednesday, April 11, 2017, at the First Baptist Church of Belfry with special services at 7 PM with Brother Bob Norman. Online condolences at www.rerogersfh.com. R. E. Rogers Funeral Home of Belfry is in charge of arrangements.