Harry C. Ballantyne

Harry Clay Ballantyne, 79, of Sykesville, formerly of Lamoni, Iowa, died Friday, May 2, 2014, at home.

Born Feb. 1, 1935, in Lamoni, he was the son of the late Lucille Barnett Ballantyne and Harold Clay Ballantyne. He was the husband of Betty Jane Ballantyne, his wife of 60 years.

He attended Lamoni High School in Lamoni, and graduated from Iowa State College with a bachelor's degree in physics. He worked for the Social Security Administration for 42 years, and was the chief actuary of SSA from 1982 until his retirement in 2000. As chief actuary, he was instrumental in helping to craft key legislative changes that assured extended solvency of the Social Security program. He received many awards during his career through several presidential administrations and sessions of Congress.

He was an active member of the Community of Christ, serving the church in a number of capacities throughout his life. He also spent several years serving on the Board of Directors of Camp Opportunity of Maryland, a nonprofit serving at-risk children.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are children Catherine Jo Hart and husband Larry, Gregory Ross Ballantyne and wife Susan, Bradley Clay Ballantyne and wife Deborah, Joseph William Ballantyne and wife Shawna, Martha Lee Odell and Carmen Gonzalez; sister Joyce Stevenson and husband Lester; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

In keeping with his wishes, his body has been donated to science.

Friends may call from 2 p.m. until the time of memorial service, 3 p.m. Thursday, May 22, at Wesley Freedom United Methodist Church, 961 Johnsville Road, Eldersburg.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Camp Opportunity of Maryland, 3000 Baybriar Road, Baltimore MD 21222, or www.campopportunity.org.

Sign this guest book online at www.carrollcountytimes.com.