Roger Wood Ballard

RALEIGH, NC – Roger Wood Ballard, 86, passed away on October 10, 2024. A native of Buncombe County, Roger was born in the city of Asheville, NC to the late Lewis Britton and Lillie Wood Ballard.

Roger graduated from Lee H. Edward High School in 1956, where he held the long-standing record for rigid pole vaulting. Roger achieved Life Rank in Boy Scouts and later transitioned into a troop leader.

In 1958, Roger married the love of his life, Wanda Louise Souther. In the summer of 2024, they celebrated 66 years of marriage.

Roger majored in architecture at North Carolina State College (currently North Carolina State University) and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in 1961. Roger served in the United States Navy for two years. Roger enjoyed a long, successful architectural career with private practices as well as with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Roger and Wanda have been members of Highland Baptist Church for over 30 years. Roger’s interests through the years included running, basketball, hiking and chess (he even taught chess classes for a while); as well as gardening and designing and building patios, fences and benches.

Roger is survived by his beloved wife, Wanda Louise Souther; son, Barry Ballard (Ruthie) of Columbia, SC; brother, Blake Ballard (Lynda) of Moscow, ID; grandchildren, April Folger (David) of Columbia, SC and Ethan Ballard of Columbia, SC; great-grandchildren, Preston, Paige and Hazel; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

Roger is preceded in death by his parents, Lewis Britton and Lillie Wood Ballard.

A memorial service will be held privately for the family.

Condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com.