Armand Baer Ball Jr.

He graduated high school with honors in his hometown of Dubach, Louisiana. He received his degree in Bachelor of Arts from Louisiana College, 1951, Master of Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1953 and Master of Science from George Williams College of Aurora University, 1960. Armand served as the Royal Ambassador Director for the Indiana Women’s (Baptist) Missionary Union, directing their boys’ camps, 1953-1957, Program Director, for Woodlawn Boys’ Club in Chicago, IL 1957-1958, and Camp Director for the YMCA of Nashville, TN 1958-1962; Director of the Camp Widjiwagan Branch of the St. Paul YMCA (MN) 1962-1974; Executive Vice President then Chief Executive Officer, American Camping Association, Martinsville, IN 1974-1988 where he served until his retirement in 1988.

Together, Armand and his wife, Beverly, wrote nine editions of Basic Camp Management, a book that has been translated into multiple languages and has served as a textbook for university and international camp courses for more than 40 years. In 1988, he co-founded the International Camp Fellowship, now composed of camp leaders for over 200 countries. As recognized experts in the field, he and his wife Beverly taught courses for camp directors in countries around the world.

Beyond his many accomplishments, Armand was a man whose joy for life was unmistakable. His laughter was warm and contagious, filling every room he entered. He cherished a fine bottle of Sauvignon Blanc shared over dinner, and he found profound pleasure in the beauty of live theatre, classical music, and the magnificent nature of the world. Even with the breadth of his accomplishments and global influence, Armand’s greatest commitment was to his family. To those who knew and loved him, he was the most devoted husband, father, and grandfather—always putting his family first, steadfast in love, generous in spirit, and constant in presence. He left an indelible imprint on the hearts and lives of countless individuals around the globe.

Upon retirement, the Ball’s moved to Sanibel Island, Florida where they devoted over two decades of volunteer service to various community organizations, including the YMCA, SCCF, CHR, CROW, Ding Darling and the City of Sanibel. He was a leader in constructing the Recreation Center and one of the first below market rate communities on Sanibel Island.

He is predeceased by his parents, Armand Baer and Lovern Sanderson Ball, his devoted wife and companion, Beverly Jane Ball (Hodges), two children, Kathryn Ball and Robin Ball and one niece, Beverly Barefield. He is survived by one beloved daughter, Helen (Peter) Pound, six grandchildren, Nicole (Kenny) Sterrett, Stephanee (Scott) Stephens, Rachel (Michael Mull) Pound, Rhyan Ball, Lyndsey (Brad) Wilter and Jonathan Pound, five great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, niece, Jan Barefield and nephew, Clarke Barefield, Jr.

A celebration of life will be conducted on Saturday, February 21st, 2026, at 2:30 PM at Cypress Cove Retirement Community in Fort Myers, Florida. Proceed to the Harbour Building inside to Edison Hall. The address for the Harbour Building is 10200 Cypress Cove Drive, Fort Myers, Florida 33908. The service will also be broadcast via Zoom; a link will be provided at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the Armand and Beverly Ball Family Endowment Fund for YMCA Camp Widjiwagan: https://www.ymcanorth.org/give

Please visit www.dignitymemorial.com to share a memory or condolences with Armand’s family.