Roland Adelbert Polk Jr., lovingly known as “Butch” to family and friends, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on June 18, 2026, at the age of 76.
Born on January 22, 1950, to Roland Adelbert Polk Sr. and Ruth Perry Polk, Butch lived a life marked by faith, service, dedication, and deep love for his family.
He is survived by his loving wife, Cyndy Durham Polk; his brothers, Reverend Donald Polk and wife Laurie, and David Polk and wife Patty; his children, Seth Polk and wife Melanie, Rebecca Delaney and husband Brian, Rachel Messick and husband Kyle, and Enoch Polk and wife Kimberly. He is also survived by his 11 grandchildren: Morgan, Ryan, Gideon, Nate, Gabriel, Samantha, Olivia, Jericho, Lucas, Ethan, and Judah, each of whom brought him great joy.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Sara Saunderlin Polk.
Butch graduated from Pennsville Memorial High School in 1968 and went on to attend The Citadel, where he graduated in 1972 with a degree in Business Administration.During his time there, he was a proud member of K Company.
Throughout his career, Butch worked in a variety of roles, including positions at Franklin Savings and Loan, Sun East Credit Union, Salem Community College, and PSE&G. He also faithfully served his community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT with Pennsville Fire and Rescue.
From 1986 to 2000, Butch was actively involved in Oakwood Summer Theatre alongside his family. During those years, he acted in productions, built sets, and served as stage manager, creating treasured memories both on and behind the stage.
His faith was central to his life. Butch was a devoted church member who served faithfully in many capacities. At Ambassador Baptist Church, he taught Sunday school, served as Superintendent of Children’s Ministry, and started the church’s bus ministry, helping connect families and children to the church community. Later, he organized and led the team of usher and helped develop the safety team at Aldine United Methodist Church. He served through Vacation Bible School and Pioneer Club, investing in the lives of countless children and families. He also shared his gift of music in the church choir, where his rich bass voice blessed many.
Butch found joy in life’s simple but meaningful pleasures. He loved being near the water—whether at the beach or by a lake, he said it was his happy place. He enjoyed the stirring sound of bagpipes, trips to Disney World, going on cruises, and the companionship of his goofy dogs.
He will also be remembered for his humor and his signature response whenever someone asked how he was doing. With a smile, he would often say, “It’s good to be king.” That phrase captured his wit, lighthearted spirit, and ability to bring a smile to those around him.
Above all, Butch will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, faithful servant, and steady presence in the lives of those who knew him. His legacy of faith, service, love, humor, and quiet strength will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Butch’s life on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Aldine United Methodist Church, 780 Friesburg Aldine Road, Elmer, NJ 08318. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., with a funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Lunch will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Butch’s memory to the Salem County Humane Society.