Benjamin Roland McElroy

Benjamin Roland McElroy, known from birth by his middle name, passed away on March 7, 2026, at the age of 82 in Fairfax, Virginia. Born and raised in Quitman, Georgia, alongside his eight siblings, Roland was the son of the Rev. Dr. Frank H. McElroy, Sr. and Mae Carpenter McElroy. He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Mae McElroy Cheatham, Joan McElroy, Nell McElroy John, and William McElroy, and his first wife, Ginny Sears McElroy.

From an early age, the local library opened his mind to the wider world. At just 13, he began his broadcasting career as a disc jockey at the local radio station, hosting the after-school program The Rockin’ Romac Top 40 Show. He continued in radio while earning a degree in economics and journalism at the University of Georgia and later produced and hosted a network ETV program for the Georgia Extension Service while pursuing his master’s degree. In 1971, at the request of then-Governor Jimmy Carter, he managed media for the “Goals for Georgia” initiative, where he first met Sam Nunn. When Nunn decided to run for the U.S. Senate, Roland became his first staff member and later served 15 years with him in Washington, first as press secretary and then as chief of staff. He went on to found a public relations firm, hold executive positions with two major trade associations, and later returned to Capitol Hill as chief of staff to Senator Chuck Robb of Virginia. After his first wife’s serious illness, he established McElroy & Associates, Inc., providing communications services to corporate and individual clients.

Roland was a longtime active member of Lewinsville Presbyterian Church in McLean, Virginia, where he served as an ordained Elder. He contributed generously of his time and creativity, chairing stewardship committees, producing the church’s history documentary, leading its communications ministry, raising funds for two major renovations, and creating weekly worship videos during the pandemic. A dedicated writer who set out each day to “write something new,” he authored a political memoir, three church histories, a corporate history, children’s books, short stories, and a novel. He is survived by his wife, Bettie; his son Keith McElroy; son Paul McElroy (Sara); daughter Katherine Godesky (Michael); step-son Paul Vodra (Jennie); step-daughter Katie Schwabach (James); and many grandchildren who carry forward his legacy of curiosity, storytelling, and service.