Robert “Bob” Ball

Robert Lee Ball, lovingly known as Papaw Bob, 86, of Sissonville, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born on May 6, 1939, Bob lived a full and joyful life, grounded in faith, family, hard work, and the simple pleasures he cherished most.

Bob graduated with the Class of 1958 from Sissonville High School, where he proudly played quarterback on the football team and center on the basketball team. One of his fondest memories was playing basketball against the legendary Jerry West. Bob often said, “I wasn’t the best, but I played against the best,” recalling with pride how West’s scoring average was 44 points per game — and how he held him to just 38 points that night.

Following high school, Bob honorably served his country in the Air National Guard from 1961 to 1967. He later built a long and respected career as a truck driver for Kroger’s, retiring after 28 years of dedicated service.

In addition to his career, Bob answered the call to ministry and served faithfully as a preacher for 11 years at Pleasant View United Methodist Church. His faith and leadership touched many lives and reflected his deep commitment to God and his community.

Outside of work and ministry, Bob was a man of many passions. He loved hunting, fishing, golfing, and attending car shows often with his son Mark. In his younger years, he and his brother raced cars together — with Bob serving as the mechanic and his brother behind the wheel. He was also an avid race fan, often found at NASCAR and local dirt track races, sharing that love with his family.

Above all, Bob loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the pride of his life. He also adored Lucy Goosy, his son Mark Ball’s golden retriever, who became one of his favorite companions and brought him great joy.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Mannard and Geraldine Ball, and his brothers, Joseph Dexter Ball and Dallas Ray “Dick” Ball.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Patsy Ball; his children, including Mark and Tonya Ball; extended family; his grandchildren, Tori and Alex Guerra, Sarah Ball and Kellen Tropeck; and his great-grandchildren, Liam, Eli, and Wesley Guerra, who will carry forward his legacy of love and laughter.

Bob will be remembered for his warmth, his devotion to family, his faith, and his joy for life’s simple pleasures. His memory will live on in the stories shared around kitchen tables, at family gatherings, and in every sermon, fishing trip, round of golf, ball game, and car show that reminds us of him.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM followed by Funeral Service at 7:00 PM at Fisher Chapel, 404 Middle Fork Rd, Charleston, WV 25320, to honor and celebrate Bob’s life.