06/23/06 - NNHS Newsletter - John Ball

John G. Ball
(19 May 1930 - 21 June 2006)

Newport News High School Class of 1948

HAMPTON - John G. Ball, 76, a beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away Wednesday, June 21, 2006, at Riverside Regional Medical Center. Born in Asheville, N.C., John moved to Newport News in 1940. He was a 1948 graduate of Newport News High School, where he lettered in the band, and later attended the Apprentice School of the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock. He also served his country honorably in the United States Air Force. John was employed at Noland Company, Benson-Phillips and Ranhorn and Granger. He then owned and served as president of Jones and Ball, Inc., for more than 32 years. A dedicated member of Ivy Memorial Baptist Church and a member of the Fellowship Class, John served as an Usher for many years and was active in various committees. He was a faithful member of Gideon's International. Other memberships include the Hampton Kiwanis Club; Peninsula Home Builder's Association, where he received Associate of the Year Award and served on the Board of Directors; Peninsula Builder Exchange, where he served on the Board of Directors; and the American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps. John was preceded in death by his first wife of 34 years, Betty S. Ball; his parents, James and Nora Etta Ball; and his brother, Jack Ball. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 17 years, Tanya H. Ball; daughters, Debra Kravitz and her husband, Ron, of Hampton and Dr. Shari Ball Barbieri and her husband, Dr. Steve Barbieri, of Richmond; grandchildren, John and Elizabeth Kravitz and Rachel and Matthew Barbieri; stepdaughters, Kim Sorrels and her husband, David, Teresa Stinnett and her husband, David, all of Buena Vista; stepson, Kevin Moran and his wife, Michelle, of Leesburg; step-grandchildren, Lee and Katie Stinnett, Haley Baker, Justin and Mallory Sorrels; greatly loved father-in-law, Joseph L. Comer; and many other special family and friends. A service to celebrate John's life will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday at Ivy Memorial Baptist Church with the Rev. John Etcher officiating. Burial will follow in Parklawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home. In John's memory, memorial contributions may be made to Ivy Memorial Baptist Church Youth Ministry, Gideon's International or your favorite charity. Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, Va.

Published in the Daily Press on 6/23/2006.  
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