William "Bill" Ball Sr.

William “Bill” Jennings Ball, Sr. passed away peacefully in his home on September 23, 2019. Bill was born in 1924 at his family home, Salvia, in King & Queen County to Lucy and John Henry Ball.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn, and his son, Chris, as well as his parents and his 9 brothers and sisters, George Thomas Ball (Laura), Dorothy Margaret Ball (Chris), James Gilbert Ball (Marion Norman), Josephine Olivia Ball (Ben), Virginia Elizabeth Ball (Lewis), John Harding Ball (Anne), Harriet Haile Ball (Beale & Jim), Malcolm Page Ball (Jean).

Bill is survived by his two children, Billy Ball and Sue Ball (Nick Brizendine) of Tappahannock; five grandchildren, Andi Ball Carlson (Tate), Christy Ball, Cory Ball (Sandra), Seth Saunders (Jenna) and Katy Saunders. He is also survived by nine great-grandchildren and numerous nephews, nieces, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was also lovingly cared for by his companion and dear friend, Jean Seal and her family.

Bill graduated from Marriott High School in St. Stephens Church, Va., and attended Virginia Tech before joining the Merchant Marines. He was a 65-year member of the Arlington Masonic Lodge #102 and a member of the Liberty Bell Shrine Club. After leaving the Lumber business, Bill formed Ball Realty Company in Tappahannock, VA, and was an active real estate broker and appraiser for over 4 decades. He was an avid fisherman who was happiest whenever he was on the water. He registered for his pilot’s license when he was 60 years old and enjoyed flying with his family and friends. Bill was a long-time member of Beale Memorial Baptist Church and served as a Deacon for several years.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 25, 2019, 5-7PM at Marks-Bristow Funeral Home, 206 N Church Ln, Tappahannock, VA 22560. Interment will be held privately, and the funeral will be held at noon on Thursday, September 26, 2019 at Beale Memorial Baptist Church, 19622 Tidewater Trail, Tappahannock, VA 22560. The Reverend Dr. Candine Johnson, Reverend Dr. Robert McKinley and Reverend Dr. Jonathan Davis will officiate. Pallbearers will be John Page Ball (Nephew), Ronnie Schools (Nephew), C. B. Schools (Nephew), Page Ball (Nephew), L. F. Payne, Jr. (Nephew), Carter Ball (Great-Nephew), Seth Saunders (Grandson) and Cory Ball (Grandson). Honorary Pallbearers will be Ben Longest (Nephew), Hardy Ball (Nephew), Tommy Timberlake (Nephew), Spencer Ball (Nephew), Mack Tuck, Jr. (Nephew) , Eddie Longest (Nephew) and Billy Cook (Lifelong Friend).