Robert E. Ball

Robert E. Ball, born to Edward and Ann Ball in Jackson County, MS, October 13, 1947 died in Jackson County, WV January 1st, 2019 with his wife, Vanessa, by his side. Robert graduated from Ripley High School in 1965 and from WVU in 1970 and remained a long-standing RHS and WVU sports fan. He served in the HQ Battery, 201st Field artillery, WV Army National Guard and then was a Navigator with the 130th Airlift Wing, WV Air National Guard until 1984. Robert retired from Constellium Aluminum in 2003. He was a member of the Parchment Valley Baptist Church, where he served as a trustee and was honored to be a member of the kitchen committee. He leaves behind his sweetheart, Vanessa M. King Ball, and his three children and their families: Vania, Geoff, Connor and Gillian Falen of Canton, NY; Rana, James, Marliana, Brienza, Lucca and Rocco Marraccini of Hamilton, VA and Justin K. Ball of Ripley. He is also survived by his mother, Ann Ball (Woodstock, GA), and his brothers: John (Janet) Ball (Canton, GA) and Calvin (Cathy) Ball (Tampa, FL). He will be missed by his mother-in-law, Eileen King and Sisters-in-law: Connie (Bob) Randolph and Gail (Dave) Hunter of Ripley. He is showered in love and remembrance by his 10 nieces and nephews and his 22 great nieces and nephews from Texas to Pennsylvania. He will be remembered as many things: a Mason, a DIY-guy, a fisherman, a jokester, a savvy card player, an advice-giver, a storyteller; a husband, father, popaw, son, brother, uncle, and friend. Of all these things, however, he will be remembered as kind. He gave freely of his talents and time throughout his 71 years and he will be greatly missed. Funeral Service will be 2:30 pm Saturday, January 5, 2019 at the Waybright Funeral Home, Ripley with Pastor Matt Ash officiating. Burial with Military Rites provided by the Jackson County Honor Guard will be in the Longview Cemetery, Evans. Friends may call on the family from 4 to 8 pm Friday and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations in memory of Robert to the Snack Pack Program, c/o Parchment Valley Baptist Church, 1883 Ripley Rd, Ripley, WV 25271.