Robert Fred Ball, age 82, of Forest City, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, January 23, 2023.
A native of Yancey County, he was the son of Bill and Mary Tilson Ball. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Dell Penland and brother Jerry Ball.
Robert was a member of Sandy Mush Baptist Church for many years, where he served as a deacon. He later became a member of Grace Baptist Church of Henrietta, where he was welcomed with open arms and enjoyed attending, even as his ability to see and walk declined. He was a man of unquestionable faith, with his unwavering commitment to his family coming second only to his commitment to God.
During his childhood, he was a protective and caring oldest brother who enjoyed adventures with his seven siblings. After he graduated from Bald Creek High School, he enlisted in the Army. He spent four years in Germany proudly serving our country. After returning from Germany, one sunny day in 1963, he invited a pretty young lady named Alma to a picnic. That first date led to a loving marriage of 58 years and a legacy that included three daughters, nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
He was perfect for the daunting role of raising three girls, and he fully embraced the title of “Girl Dad” as he styled their hair, read them stories, drove them countless hours to dance class, sat with them at church every Sunday, taught them to mow the yard, taught them to bait a fishing hook, changed the oil in their cars, and encouraged them throughout their lives. He was a dedicated provider, and would sacrifice things for himself if it meant helping or bringing joy and peace to his family.
His motto was “I just want everyone to be happy.” In fact, that was the answer he gave every year when asked what he wanted for Christmas. He exemplified kindness, compassion, faithfulness, gentleness, and never-ending patience. He will be remembered by his wife as the love of her life, and by daughters as the greatest hero and best daddy ever.
Surviving is his wife Alma, who cared for him lovingly and unceasingly until he took his last breath. Also surviving are daughters Tammy, Melissa, and Angie, grandchildren Sarah, Lily, Luke, Reid, Candice, Will, Bobby, Trina, and Amber, and nine great-grandchildren.
A graveside service with military honors will be held Saturday, January 28 at 4:00 at Cane River Church Cemetery. Reverend Blaine Whitson and Robert’s dear brother Mr. Sam Ball will officiate.
To honor Robert, he would hope that you would do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for someone in his name to fulfill his wish for everyone to be happy. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 ESV.
Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home is respectfully serving the Ball family.
To send an online condolence please visit: www.holcombebrothersfuneralhome.com
