Rev. Vernon Franklin Ball, age 90 went to his heavenly home May 1, 2015. Rev. Ball was born in Elkin November 30, 1924 to John Virdle and Beulah Hudson Ball. Rev. Ball was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving during WWII and stationed in Panama. He was a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill and worked for the state of North Carolina for 35 years including the N.C. Wildlife Commission, Board of Paroles and the N.C. Insurance Commission. Rev. Ball was ordained as a Baptist Minister in May 1981 and served as a minister for Friendship Baptist Church in Harmony, Pleasant Home Baptist Church and was the Interim Pastor for Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, Friendship Baptist Church in Elkin and Mineral Springs Baptist Church. He was a known as a southern gospel singer who sang with numerous quartets. He also enjoyed hunting with his precious beagles and his days were never complete until he had conversations with a stranger, friends and his God. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers, Cecil D. Ball and Gary W. Ball; sisters, Ann B. Marcum and Sylvia Ball; brothers-in-law, Harold Marcum, Jim Miller, Donald Miller,Fred Sidden and Rudy Light; sisters-in-law, Kathryn Ball and Lois Miller. Survivors include; his wife of 72 years, ReElla M. Ball of the home; son, Stephen F. Ball of GA; daughter, Sharron L. Ball of State Road, a sister, Faye Light of Eden. A graveside service will be held Monday, May 4, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. at Grassy Creek United Methodist Church Cemetery with Dustin Ball and Rev. Clyde Ball officiating. Full military honors will be provided by VFW Post 11346 and U.S. Navy. A memorial service will follow at 7:30 p.m. at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church with Rev. John Attaway and Pastor Mitch Smith officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00-7:30 p.m. prior to the service at the church. The family requests memorials be made to Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church Music Department, 1997 Pleasant Ridge Road, State Road, NC 28676.
