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It's quite possible that when you rotated the actuator rod, you unscrewed the valve stem from the valve gate.
Try pushing the rod in while rotating it anti-clockwise. After a few turns it should re-engage the gate. Next, try pulling the rod straight out. It may take a good deal of force if it has not been opened in several years.
If that doesn't work, loosen the packing nut, remove the rod, and take off the valve bonnet. Then you can try to pry the gate out. Use some warm soapy water to loosen the crud around the gate.
If that doesn't work, use a torch to warm the valve and try unscrewing the valve from the bottom of the tank. Chance of success without removing the tank is less than 30%. Protect the tank from heat.
There are pictures of the disassembled valve in my photo album. Parts are available.
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