Paul Gary Ballenger
February 12, 1952 ~ March 26, 2021
Paul Gary Ballenger "Gary", was born on February 12, 1952 at Bethesda Naval Hospital to Paul Pendleton & Wilma Juanita. He was the oldest of 4 children. Gary grew up in Falls Church, VA and graduated from McLean High School in 1970. From there he went on to Trade School to pursue his career in Steam Fitting and HVAC. He began working for Honeywell in the mid 70's and was a member of the Union, Local 602. At the time of his death, he was still employed by Honeywell.
From the time he was 16 he spent most of his free time at the race track. He made many lifelong friends there, whom he considered to be family.
In 1983 he met the love of his life, Brenda Mae. They were married in May of 1985. Shortly after they welcomed their first daughter Amanda Jean in 1986. In 1991, they welcomed their second daughter, Brittney Lea.
On Friday, March 26th, 2021, Gary passed away after a long, hard fought battle with pancreatic cancer. He passed at home surrounded by his family and closest friends.
He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Brenda Mae. His children, Amanda Jean Farewell (Brandon Farewell) and Brittney Lea Ballenger (Jeffrey Roland II). 2 grandchildren, Caleb and Cameryn West. 3 step grandchildren, Anthony, Alyssa and Adrian Farewell.
He is also survived by his 3 siblings, Gail Annetti (Bill), Joseph Ballenger and John Ballenger (Becky).
He also leaves behind 4 nieces and an abundance of lifelong friends.
From the time he was 16 he spent most of his free time at the race track. He made many lifelong friends there, whom he considered to be family.
In 1983 he met the love of his life, Brenda Mae. They were married in May of 1985. Shortly after they welcomed their first daughter Amanda Jean in 1986. In 1991, they welcomed their second daughter, Brittney Lea.
On Friday, March 26th, 2021, Gary passed away after a long, hard fought battle with pancreatic cancer. He passed at home surrounded by his family and closest friends.
He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Brenda Mae. His children, Amanda Jean Farewell (Brandon Farewell) and Brittney Lea Ballenger (Jeffrey Roland II). 2 grandchildren, Caleb and Cameryn West. 3 step grandchildren, Anthony, Alyssa and Adrian Farewell.
He is also survived by his 3 siblings, Gail Annetti (Bill), Joseph Ballenger and John Ballenger (Becky).
He also leaves behind 4 nieces and an abundance of lifelong friends.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Remembering fun times at the Race Place on Spring Hill Road. My sincere condolences to the Ballinger family. Godspeed my friend
My sincere condolences to the Ballenger family and all Gary’s many friends. Gary was a dear friend and one of my very favorite racers at all my tracks. He could light up a room with his smile and make my darkest days seem bright. I know that he will light up his space in heaven for eternity. Tod & Roberta Mack
A candle was lit for the decedent.
Gary! I know you will be watching over the family with a big smile! You will be greatly missed by so many. Your family is so blessed to have you as their guardian Angel. Rest easy❤️ Steve and Ellen Dutton
Gary and I were friends for many many years. RIP My Friend. I hope Heaven has a Dragstrip, I know you’ll spend a lot of time there. You will be missed. Wayne Powers
We met quiet Gary when we brought Rose to see her family in the south. Definitely a special guy in a lot of lives
May you rest in peace, you were a dear friend and my condolences to your family. Art Colea
A candle was lit for the decedent.
Gary was one of the best steamfitters that I ever had work for. He was always up for a challenge also liked to joke a lot. Gary you will be missed by all.
May the memories of Gary provide some comfort during this dreadful time. Please accept our condolences. Our deepest sympathy. Tom Ziebell & Marg Chiaventone
A candle was lit for the decedent.
GARY OUR FRIEND WE WILL ALWAYS MISS YOUR SMILES AND YOUR LOVE GIVEN TO US ALL. BRENDA & FAMILY WE KNOW YOUR HEARTS ARE BROKEN & TIME WON’T ALWAYS HEAL THE HEART BUT YOUR HAPPY MEMORIES WILL HELP YOU! ALWAYS BE THERE FOR EACH OTHER AND DON’T STOP TALKING ABOUT GARY IT KEEPS HIM WITH YOU ALWAYS! ALL OUR LOVE, DEBBIE & CARLTON
My love and sympathies go out to the Ballenger family. Gary was a constant in so many lives and he will be missed dearly. Until we meet again my dear friend RIP.
Video
Rest easy Mr. Ballenger. I’m sorry we were never able to meet you but I know how deeply your family loved you.
A candle was lit for the decedent.
Video
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Gary. I knew him through the (racing) community is always being helpful to other people and the guy that like most drag racers are give you anything they have to help you make the next round. God’s speed my friend. Steve Pramov
Mr. Ballenger, you and your family were always so nice and welcoming to my family when we were neighbors all throughout the 90’s. We have not forgotten your generosity and will miss you immensely. Thank you for being a huge part of my childhood and for leaving a long lasting impression on us all. I hope my mom has already prepared a Filipino feast for you up there. Rest in peace.
This is a sad week…both Gary and friend of mine, Bill Matheis, passed away, as well. Bill proudly showed me a magazine picture of Gary’s Nova that Bill helped to build. They entered it into the old Budweiser World of Wheels in DC. Attached is a picture of the Nova from that magazine. I hope that everyone remembers the good times — prayers for all! John Aucella, Reston, Va.