Harry Clay Ballantyne

1935 - 2014

Harry Ballantyne, 79 of Sykesville, formerly of Lamoni, Iowa died May 2nd, 2014 at his home. Born in Lamoni on February 1, 1935, 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. Besides his wife, he is survived by 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. Also survived by his sister, Joyce Stevenson and husband Lester, eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends. Mr. Ballantyne attended Lamoni High School in Lamoni, Iowa, 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, Mr. Ballantyne was instrumental in helping to craft key legislative changes that assured extended solvency of the Social Security program. Highly regarded, respected and admired in his profession and through several Presidential administrations and sessions of Congress, he received many awards during his career. 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 non-profit organization serving at-risk children. In keeping with Harry's wishes, his body has been donated to science. Memorial services will be held at Wesley Freedom United Methodist Church, 961 Johnsville Road, Eldersburg MD on Thursday, May 22. The family will receive friends at 2 pm followed by memorial services at 3 pm. Memorial donations in Harry's name may be directed to Camp Opportunity of Maryland, Inc., 3000 Baybriar Rd., Baltimore MD 21222. (http://campopportunity.org/)