Raymond "Ray" Aaron Ballew, Sr., age 86, of Hollywood, Maryland, passed away peacefully at his home on January 19, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on October 4, 1939, in Washington, D.C., to the late Raymond Watson Ballew and Margaret White Ballew.

Ray was the beloved husband of Kay "Sue" Sturgess Ballew, whom he married on August 5, 1966. He was a devoted father to Ray Ballew, Jr. (Lisa Clark) of Hollywood, MD, and the late Carol Ballew Porter (the late Mark Porter). He was a proud grandfather to twins Daniel Ballew and Darren Ballew (Aly), and a cherished great grandfather to multiple great grandchildren.

He is survived by his brother, Robert Ballew of Maine, and was preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Ballew Cullins.

Ray spent his career in the plumbing trade, beginning at age 17 with Warner Plumbing, where he worked for over 20 years and became a respected manager. He purchased the plumbing business in Suitland, Maryland, operating RayMar Plumbing until his recent retirement. Ray was known for his strong work ethic, mechanical skill, and extremely fair treatment of his employees.

A lifelong resident of the Washington, D.C. and Southern Maryland area, Ray had a deep love for the water and the outdoors. He and Sue built their waterfront home on Half Pone Point near the family home in 1980, creating decades of cherished memories with family and friends. He enjoyed boating, fishing, camping, RV travel, classic movies, and the companionship of his dogs.

Ray will be fondly remembered as a kind, generous, and hardworking man who loved his family deeply and greeted everyone with a warm smile-often while driving his golf cart around "the Point." The family extends heartfelt thanks to Hospice of St. Mary's County for their compassionate care and support.

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Mattingley Gardiner Funeral Home in Leonardtown, Maryland. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM in the funeral home chapel, officiated by Rev. Gwen Banks. Interment will follow at Charles Memorial Gardens in Leonardtown, Maryland.

Following the burial, the family invites all friends and loved ones to join them for lunch at the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department.