A Lifetime of Giving Back

A life-long Baptist, Royce Ballard grew up in a spiritual household and at 10 years old made a profession of faith in his local church. By the time he entered college, he knew he wanted to always be involved in faith-based work, either professionally or as a volunteer.

Throughout his 20s, Royce served as a pastor, while working as a high school teacher and a youth sports coach mentoring young, gifted athletes. In his early 30s, he earned his Master of Theology degree while working in sales. Throughout his 30s and 40s, he became an entrepreneur as owner of Tape City USA and Ballard Distributing Company. As a prominent New Orleans businessman, he maintained a spiritual emphasis in his work by mentoring other young entrepreneurs.

After selling his businesses, he received a call from his long-time friends, Myron Madden and Bob Pearce, who directed the Pastoral Care program at Southern Baptist Hospital (SBH). They offered Royce an opportunity to train and become a board certified, full-time chaplain through SBH’s Clinical Pastoral Education program, where professional chaplains were key members of the healthcare team. Royce knew the hospital and its staff well–as five of his eight children had been born there.

Seizing the chance to serve those in need, Royce embarked on a brand-new career path. He became a chaplain and a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. With encouragement and support from his wife, Katy, he earned his Doctor of Ministry degree. When SBH was sold in 1995 to create Baptist Community Ministries, Gene Huffstutler, the first leader of BCM’s Chaplaincy Services division, hired Royce to serve at West Jefferson Medical Center. Royce also trained and mentored new BCM chaplains and became their advisors when they pursued their doctorates. In honor of his incredible service to BCM and our community, Royce became BCM’s Employee of the Year in 2012.

In 2018, after serving as a chaplain for 33 years, Royce retired from BCM. As a consummate servant-leader, Royce has given compassionate care to thousands of people across Greater New Orleans. Now in his 80s, Royce donates his time by serving on the Board of Covenant Nursing Home (a BCM chaplaincy site) and continues to mentor newly hired BCM chaplains seeking wisdom and guidance.

Thank you, Royce, for helping our community members to grow and heal spiritually and emotionally. Your dedicated service has helped shape BCM’s Chaplaincy Services program into what it is today.

To donate to BCM’s Chaplaincy Services program, click here.