Roland Ernest Burdett, Jr.

Roland E. Burdett, Jr. passed away on June 9, 2026. A man of integrity, curiosity, and service, Roland’s life was defined by his dedication to his country and his family.

He built a distinguished career spanning decades of service to the United States, including the Air Force, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). Serving from when he first joined the Alabama Air National Guard at age 17 until he retired from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in 2004 as a member of the Senior Intelligence Service.

Beyond his professional accolades, Roland was an avid photographer, historian and genealogist, a lover of aviation and space, and a life-long traveler. Whether exploring battlefields, visiting national parks and museums, or sharing his practical wisdom when teaching his children and grandchildren to be “indispensable,” to “measure twice, cut once,” and to always “do it right the first time”, he lived with profound purpose. He will be remembered not only for his contributions to national security but for the lessons of character, hard work, and integrity he instilled in all who knew him.

Roland was born and raised in Irondale, Alabama, attending Auburn University.  His time at Auburn was interrupted when he was called up to serve in Germany during the Berlin Crisis.  He was recruited out of the Air Force by the CIA.  He moved to Alexandria, Virginia when he joined the Agency, and raised his family there.  He completed his Bachelor’s degree at George Mason University in 1980.  He completed the Program for Senior Officials in National Security at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and the Department of Defense National Leadership Course at the John Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies.  In retirement, he lived in Lake Ridge, Virginia.

Roland is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Delores Cummickel Burdett, and his brother-in-law, Wayne Trull. He is survived by his sister, Donna Trull; his three sons, Roland Burdett, III (Susan), Barry Burdett (Stephanie), and Brian Burdett (Melanie); his five grandsons, Roland Jose Burdett, Mitchell Burdett, Henry Burdett, Sean Burdett, and Colin Burdett; his nieces Paige Pabalate (Donnie), Charlene Chiles (Troy), and his nephews Michael Trull (Crysta), and Kelly Trull (Carla).

Services

A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Lake Ridge Baptist Church in Lake Ridge, VA.  Visitation will begin at 10am, with services at 11am, and a reception following.  Interment will be at Mt. Comfort Cemetery in Alexandria, VA, following the reception.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider donating to the CIA Officers Memorial Foundation or the American Heart Association.