Mr. Ball was born September 30, 1939, in El Dorado, Arkansas, to the late Van W. Ball, Sr. and Winnie Edwards Ball. He was reared and received his education in El Dorado, where he graduated from El Dorado High School in 1958. While in high school, Mr. Ball was very active in many sports including football, basketball, and baseball. He attended Hendrix College in Conway on a basketball scholarship, then transferred to Henderson State University in Arkadelphia on a baseball scholarship and graduated from there with a degree in Education and Economics in 1965.

Mr. Ball was a Terminal Manager for Arkansas Best Freight in Pine Bluff, before retiring in 1995.

He was a member of First Baptist Church of Pine Bluff. Mr. Ball was a very social person who enjoyed fishing, duck hunting, and playing golf.

He was predeceased by his parents.

Mr. Ball is survived by his wife of 43 years, Kay Ball of Pine Bluff; and a sister, Bobby Gulley of El Dorado.

The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, at Robinson's.

Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, June 11, 2009, 10:00 AM, in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson & Son with Reverend Matt Norton officiating. Burial will follow at 2:00 PM, at Arlington Cemetery in El Dorado.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to First Baptist Church of Pine Bluff, 6501 South Hazel, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71603, or the American Heart Association, 909 West 2nd Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72203.