James "Claude" Ball

James “Claude” Ball, 87, of Ripley passed away Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at Camden Clark Medical Center following a short illness. He was born July 3, 1933 at Hewett, WV a son of the late Wilmer and Elma Elkins Ball. Claude proudly served his country in the U.S. Army in the Korean War from 1953-1955. He retired from Century Aluminum as a yard equipment operator with 37 years of service. He was also a former member of the United Mine Workers. Claude was a long time Ripley Little League baseball manager and Midget League Football coach of the Blue Devils. He was a former President of the Ripley Athletic Boosters from 1977-1979. He could also be found on the sideline of Memorial Stadium many Friday nights where he was a member of the “chain gang.” He also helped coach girls fastpitch softball. Most of all he was very supportive of all his children and grandchildren and loved attending all of their sporting and school events. He was also a member of West Ripley Baptist Church. He is survived by his children James Ball (Tanya) of Ripley, Gordy Ball (Missy) of Ripley and Vicki Cox (Ken) of Bristol, TN; brothers Harold Ball,Dean Ball, Junior Aleshire and Nolan Aleshire; sisters Jean Samson and Shirley Runyon; 8 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by the love of his life and other half, Ruth Marie Ball. Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Monday, January 25, 2021 at Waybright Funeral Home, Ripley with Pastor Franklin Howerton and Joe Lane officiating. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial with Military Rites provided by the Jackson County Honor Guard and Masonic Rites rendered by Cottageville Lodge #54 AF & AM. will be in the Fairplain Cemetery. Online memories and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.waybrightfuneralhome.com.