Roland Thomas Boardley, was born to Clarence and Marie Boardley on February 20, 1937 in Baltimore, Maryland. He departed this life on September 19, 2015. Roland was 1 of 6 children, he was preceded in death by his brothers Vernon, James (Jimmy) and Ronald and also his sister Ann. He received his education in the Baltimore City Public School System where he met Art's R. Buckson. They married in 1958. Out of that union 2 children were born, Kenneth Vernard, who preceded him in death, and Karen Vanessa. While at Dunbar High School Roland was very popular and was a gifted and talented athlete. He made the varsity baseball team and was a pitcher in the starting line-up and was also a cleanup hitter. He played J. V. football as wide receiver and was on the J. V. basketball team as they went undefeated during the 1953-1954 season. While Roland had the potential to play major league sports, he involved himself in amateur leagues such as The Summer Set Rockets and the Walbrook Athletic Club. Roland worked for Swindells Glass Company, and then worked for Westinghouse Electric Company. He worked for Harry Stevens Catering Service at his dream job as a waiter for Pimlico Racetrack. He loved watching the horses just as much as he loved betting on them. In 1987 Roland met Dot Smith. They enjoy their lives together along with Dots daughters Vicky and Joan until she past in 2004. Roland was a jazz lover, he would attend the local Jazz events, he loved artists from Miles Davis to Joe Sample, Ella Fitzgerald to Vanessa Rubin. Roland leaves to cherish his memory: his daughter, Karen Vanessa Hamlin; his granddaughter, Melissa Javonne Hamlin; sisters, Marie (Peggy) Fowler and Lutisia Smith; brother, Luther Robinson as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and a host of friends. Funeral Service Joseph H. Brown Jr. Funeral Home Friday, September 25, 2015 10:00 AM Email Details 2140 N. Fulton Ave.
Baltimore, Maryland 21217 Funeral to begin @ 10:30 am Directions