Virgil Lee Ballew

Mr. Virgil Lee Ballew, Sr., age 70, passed away on Friday, October 18, 2013 in Slidell, LA.
Mr. Ballew was a native of Marietta, GA and a long-time resident of the Coast. He retired from the U. S. Marine Corps as a Master Sergeant after 20 years of faithful service. He was awarded two Purple Hearts for injuries received during his combat service in the Vietnam War. Mr. Ballew also served as a Drill Instructor at Paris Island, S.C. where he was charged with the ultimate order of ""making Marines.""
Aside from being a Marine, Mr. Ballew was also a family man and ""jack of all trades."" If he wasn't in the house, you could find him in the barn or on the tractor. He was always willing to help anyone in need. ""Pop"" has left an unfillable void for those in his life. He is greatly loved and will be sadly missed.
Mr. Ballew was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Ruth Ballew; and his brother, Fred Ballew.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Remedios ""Remy"" Ballew of Saucier; his five children, Virgil Jr. and wife Jeninne of New York, Cathy Barshop and husband Paul of Virginia, Michelle Tisdale and husband Greg of Saucier, Susan Shoemaker and husband Paul of Saucier, and Nelson Ballew of Gulfport; and four siblings, Robert Ballew and wife Charlotte, Audrey Taylor and husband Arthur, Thelma Wilson-Deavers, and Wanda Nelson and husband Ernest ""Fuzz."" He is also survived by his 16 grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, October 21 at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road in Gulfport. The Funeral Service will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 22 with visitation one hour prior, in the funeral home chapel. Burial with military honors will follow at the National Cemetery in Biloxi.
Tributes may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com.