MSgt Charles Eugene Ball

MSgt Charles E. Ball (USAF, retired) was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, Veteran, teacher, electrician, craftsman, and mentor. He was born November 28, 1935, in Decatur, AL, growing up on Willow Avenue and attending Austinville School. He married the girl next door and love of his life, Virginia Miller, and together they had three children–Dusty, Theresa, and Danny.

He was a proud 21-year Veteran of the U.S. Navy and Air Force, serving in combat as a mechanic aboard the U.S.S. Boxer aircraft carrier during the Korean War. Upon return from duty, Charles and his family were stationed around the country with assignments to NAS Whidbey Island in Oak Harbor, Washington; NAS Chase Field in Beeville, Texas; Eglin AFB in Niceville, Florida; Minot AFB in Minot, North Dakota; and Chanute AFB in Rantoul, Illinois.

After retiring from the military, Charles and his family moved back to Alabama, where he began his second career–teaching electrical technology at Calhoun Community College. Upon transitioning to a position teaching inmates at Limestone Correctional Facility through Calhoun, Charles thrived–taking great pride in sharing a trade that could offer his students more in life and a means to provide for their families with no judgment on what brought them there in the first place. The impact he had throughout his 20-year teaching career is immeasurable.

Charles and Virginia shared a love for antiquing, pulling their trailer to auctions across the country. He would spend evenings and weekends in his backyard workshop, refinishing furniture and rewiring lamps to sell at their antique store on Railroad Street in downtown Hartselle.

Though he worked many jobs over his 41-year career, “Grandaddy” was his favorite title. Charles spent his retirement devoted to his grandchildren, following them to sporting events and introducing them to auctions and the Atlanta Braves. He passed down his work ethic, woodworking skills, and love for Snickers, R.C. Colas, and Oatmeal Cream Pies. Alzheimer’s took him from us long before he left us, but not before he could create memories and share that same all-encompassing love with his great-grandchildren.

Charles Ball escaped his earthly body on January 11, 2024, sleeping peacefully and surrounded by his family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Christine and Homer Murphy, and brother, Edward Ball. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Miller Ball; his children, Dusty Perry (Doug), Theresa Shepard (Stephen), and Danny Ball (Angie); grandchildren, Tommy Boger (Kristina), Ashley Young (Tracey), and Jessica Bolton (Eric); and great-grandchildren, Karson, Lily, Sofia, Cannon, Asher, and Ethan.

The family owes a great deal of gratitude to his incredible caregivers at The Terrace at Priceville and at Floyd E. “Tut” Fann State Veterans Home.

A private service for the family is planned. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the Alzheimer’s Association.