Roger Keith Ballard

Roger Keith Ballard, 79, of Kent Island, MD, passed away peacefully at home on June 11, 2025. Born on January 13, 1946, in Washington, D.C., Roger was the fourth of five children born to the late Lester and Helen Ballard. He was a 1964 graduate of Northwestern High School in Hyattsville, MD. Roger spent his career at the United States Postal Service in the D.C. metro area of Maryland, retiring after 35 years. He started his career as a letter carrier and retired as a Branch Manager. Following retirement, he was a bus driver in Anne Arundel and Queen Anne’s Counties for 17 years, a job he enjoyed each day. In November 1985, Roger married Mary Margaret Horty, the love of his life. They built a home on Kent Island where they raised their three children, and he fastidiously cared for the house and yard. He was a beloved father who never missed a sports game, participated in countless school activities, and was always present to his kids. He loved his family, and they loved him. Roger was a devoted D.C. sports fan and a long time season ticket holder for the Washington Redskins. He loved vacationing in Ocean City, MD, where he could be found dozing on the beach, eating Thrasher's French Fries, and walking slowly on the boardwalk. In addition to his loving wife, Roger is survived by their three children: Brian, Brent (Carly), and Brittany (Brad), five grandchildren: Brooks, Milo, Florence, Simon, and Beau; sister Beverly Cooper, sister-in-law Barbara Ballard, sister Lesley Todd (Mark); brother-in-law Joe Horty (Cheryl), brother-in-law Tony, brother-in-law Pat Horty (Linda); and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by brother Lester Ballard, brother Gary Ballard, brother-in-law Gary Cooper, nephew Matthew Cooper, father and mother-in-law Thomas and Margaret Horty, and sister-in-law Susan Horty. A celebration of Roger’s life will be held on Thursday, June 19, at Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home, Chester, 106 Shamrock Road, Chester, MD 21619. A time for visiting with the family will begin at 10 am, followed by a funeral service at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Care for ALS Inc., 11073 Central Avenue, Ridgely, MD 21660, or to the Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department, 1610 Main Street, Chester, MD 21619.

Roger Keith Ballard

January 13, 1946 - June 11, 2025