Laurence A. Ballard

Laurence A. "Larry" Ballard, 70, entered into eternal peace on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at his home in Silver Spring, MD. Larry was born in Washington, DC on March 1, 1948 to the late Caleb H. and Alise J. Ballard.

Larry graduated from Spingarn High School, Washington, DC in 1966 and joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving from 1966 to 1971. He served in the Vietnam War, including stints at Phu Bai, Con Thien, Camp Carroll, and Dong Ha. He also served in the war's most famous siege, the Battle of Khe Sanh, from January through April 1968.

After returning from Vietnam, Larry served as a sergeant at one of the premier posts of the Corps, Marine Barracks at 8th and I Streets in Washington, DC, for two and a half years. He earned many awards during his military service including National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon, and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

Larry attended the University of the District of Columbia, graduating in 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Bioenvironmental Science and Engineering. He began his career in law enforcement, joining the Montgomery County Maryland Police Department in 1977. The career in law enforcement was a good fit for him as he always had a moral code consisting of a strong commitment to fairness and justice.

Larry was a humanitarian and community leader. He was active in politics in Washington, DC as a young man, served as president of the Spring Oaks Community Association for many years, and sponsored several children through the Children International organization over a period of more than 25 years. His sponsorship provided support to children in impoverished countries, ensuring they had access to medical care and educational opportunities.

Larry was a member of several organizations including the Khe Sanh Veterans Association, the Fraternal Order of Police, the Montgomery County Police Alumni Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a lifetime member of the NAACP.

In addition to his parents, Larry was predeceased by his older brother, Caleb F. Ballard; his younger sister, Burnita Ballard Key; his nephew, Christopher M. Ballard; and his step-father, Louis L. Bell.

Larry will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 38 years, Carolyn N. Edwards; sister, Mena Young-Harris (Joseph); two nephews, Michael A. Young Jr. and Johnathon L. Key; father and mother-in-law, Joe Wise and Christine Edwards; special friends, Marsha Gilchrist, James Gilchrist, and Otis Pitts Jr., along with other beloved family and friends.

A celebration of Larry's life will take place on Saturday, September 8, 2018 with visitation from 12:30 p.m. until time of service at 1:30 p.m. at Fort Lincoln Funeral Home, 3401 Bladensburg Road, Brentwood, MD 20722 with Pastor Bernard M. Harris, Sr. officiating. Interment will take place on Monday, September 10, 2018 in the Witcher Family Cemetery, Sandy Level, VA with Military Rites by the Marine Corps Honor Guard and the Veterans Honor Guard of Martinsville and Henry County.