Kenneth "Carey" Ballew

Kenneth "Carey" Ballew, 63, of Campobello, SC, passed away suddenly on January 29, 2026. He was the son of  Gerry "Gigi" Burrell Ballew and the late Kenneth Ray Ballew and the husband of Nancy Morin Ballew.

He was a devoted husband, loving father, and steadfast servant to his community, leaving behind a legacy of faith, kindness, and unwavering dedication to others.

A strong Christian man, Carey was a longtime member of Campobello First Baptist Church and attended NewSpring Church, where he lived out his beliefs through his actions, always ready to help those in need and lead with quiet integrity. 

Carey joined the fire service on May 19, 1985, serving with the Campobello Fire Department, where he remained throughout his career. He started his career service with the Pelham-Batesville Fire Department on August 17, 1996, where he worked his way up to the rank of Deputy Fire Chief, a role he cherished deeply. He loved the brotherhood, the purpose, and the chance to serve - always reminding his crews to "be safe" before heading home at the end of the day. He also served as Deputy Director of the Spartanburg County Emergency Services Academy from 2001 to 2006. Carey became an instructor through the South Carolina Fire Academy in November 1998 and has taught numerous classes, influencing firefighters across the state. 

Carey was the kind of man people were drawn to - generous, gentle, and endlessly kind. He enjoyed life's simple pleasures: playing corn hole and pickleball, working around the house, and spending quality time with his family.

Family was the center of Carey's world. He was a devoted husband and a proud father, never missing a single one of his sons' sporting events. Watching his son Dylan follow in his footsteps into the fire service filled him with pride. When Jake left for college, his dog Evie became Carey's loyal companion - and a beloved member of the family.

Those who knew Carey will remember him as one of the kindest souls they ever met - a man who was always willing to lend a hand, offer a smile, and put others before himself. His presence was a blessing, and his absence will be deeply felt.

In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by his sons, Jake and Dylan Ballew; a sister, Gina Payne; a half brother, Shane Ballew and a step brother, Jeff Sumner. He was also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 1:00 - 4:00PM at the Landrum High School Auditorium. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2026 at 2:00PM at the Landrum High School Auditorium conducted by Dr. Gary Rogers with full firefighter honors. Burial will be at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

Carey's Celebration of Life Service will be available via livestream on wspa.com and the WSPA Facebook page at 2:00PM on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of Deputy Fire Chief Carey Ballew to the South Carolina Firefighters Foundation, 111 Westpark Boulevard, Columbia, SC 29210 or online at www.scfirefighters.org/give.

Condolences for the family may be left online at www.pettyfuneralhome.com.

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