Mr. Joseph Daniel Ball Sr

Mr. Joseph D. Ball, Sr., 70, passed away at his home in Saucier early Sunday morning. Joe was born October 21, 1948 in Gulfport, and grew up in the heart of Saucier. He was a very energetic and outgoing young man who enjoyed being outdoors, hunting & fishing, and playing sports. He played football for Harrison Central High School, where he graduated a member of the Class of 1966. Joe was drafted into the US Army where he served honorably, including a tour of Vietnam. After his discharge, he worked for his Uncle Leroy at Ball Heating & Air for a while, and did some heavy equipment work in construction as well. Joe was an avid entrepreneur, and had several ventures over the years, including the Gulf station in McHenry, Joe Ball Logging, and both Saucier Creek and Success Grocery stores, just to name a couple. Somehow he still found time to work annually with the Florida State Fair for 20 years. Of all that Joe did, his true passion was the outdoors and hunting. He spent the past several, and most recent years as a caretaker for TARA Wildlife in Eagle Lake. He is remembered as a loving father that never sat still and was always on the go. A determined but caring man with a huge heart, he will be sadly missed by all whose life he touched. Joe was preceded by his parents, Arthur "Coonie" & Francis L. (Urie) Ball, grandparents Arthur & Venia Ball and F.T. & Annie Urie, Sr., and his best friend whom he loved dearly, David McAdory. Left to cherish the many memories are: his love in life, Tanya Shy; his children: daughter Tricia (Chuck) Switzer of Gulfport, and son, "Lil" Joe Ball of Pass Christian; his brother, Glen (Yvonne) Ball of Perkinston, and a sister, Barbara Carrubba of Gulfport; grandchildren Jordan and Jansen Switzer, and Taylor Switzer (Brandon) Warden; his uncle, Leroy (Trixie) Urie; and his beloved Jack Russell son of 14 years, "Bandit", with untold numbers of extended family and friends across the country. Services have been set for Saturday, January 12th at Saucier United Methodist Church, with visitation beginning at 10 AM. The funeral service has been scheduled for noon, after which Joe will be interred at Saucier Community Cemetery. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Ball family in their time of need, and asks that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this trying time.

Cemetery Details