Born in Hydes, Maryland on the family farm, Punkey attended Staunton Military Academy and graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Agriculture. He served as a First Lieutenant Army Ranger from 1956 to 1960. Punkey worked in the family business from the time he was very young until he and his brother Billy opened a roadside stand in Cockeysville in April of 1962 where they sold vegetables. That business, Valley View Farms, has grown to become one of the largest and most well-known independent garden centers, nurseries, and Christmas shops in the country. A respected business man and entrepreneur, Punkey was responsible for employing thousands of Marylanders over the course of his career. He taught them the business of gardening, Christmas, and the value of hard work. He was known worldwide in the Christmas industry for his creativity, John Bevans "Punkey" Foard, III
innovation, and elaborate merchandising. His travels took him all over the U.S., South America, and Germany. He was a former member and past President of the International Water Garden Society traveling all over the world to gain a better understanding of the entire scope of water gardening. Later in his career, Punkey became intrigued with finding new varieties of hot peppers to promote at the store. He was one of the first in the area to bring new varieties from Trinidad to hot pepper lovers. After retiring in 2005, Punkey continued on his search for the ultimate hot pepper, but he also spent time relaxing and visiting his favorite vacation spot in Maracas Bay with his loving wife Kathy. He was truly one-of-a-kind and will not be forgotten. He is survived by his devoted wife, Kathy Foard (nee Debus); his brother William C. (Bill) Foard; his sister Suzanne Foard; nephews William A. (Andy) Foard, Stuart Foard; and nieces Elizabeth (Lisa) Foard, Josephine (Jody) Hale, and Jennifer (Jill) Hale.

At Punkey's request, services and interment are private. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association 415 North Charles Street Baltimore, MD. 21201, the American Diabetes Association P.O. Box 11454 Alexandria, VA. 22312 or to the charity of your choice.