John E. Ball

John Edgar Ball, 61, of Apple Grove, WV passed away after a brief illness at the VA Medical Center in Huntington, WV on Friday, July 18, 2008. John was born on June 2, 1947 in Apple Grove to Russell and Martha Ball. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and served as a Swift Boat Sailor in Vietnam from 1967-1968. He had combined service of over eight years between the Navy and the United States Army Reserves. He retired in December of 2007 after 25 years with the US Army Corps of Engineers, finishing his career at the Robert C. Byrd Locks & Dam. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins and his "best bud and brother" Charlie Withers. In addition to his parents he is survived by his wife Judy; two sons, John Christopher and wife Heather, Matthew Russell and significant other Teva Smith; grandson Zack; granddaughters Audrey & Lauren Grace; grandson, John Thomas, to be born in August; one brother Michael and wife Shelia; one sister Frances; beloved nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Services will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 21, 2008 at the Wilcoxen Funeral Home with Max Spurlock officiating. Burial will follow in the Beale Chapel Cemetery in Apple Grove. Military graveside rites will be given by the West Virginia Military Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 7-9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the VA Hospital Voluntary Service, 1540 Spring Valley Drive, Huntington, WV 25704 or Susan G. Komen for the Cure, 5005 LBJ Fwy. Ste. 250, Dallas, TX 75244. Online condolences may be made at www.wilcoxenfuneralhome.com