Master Sergeant Leon “Sarge” Ball, 62, was born February 9, 1950 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Helen Ball and the late Jesse C. Ball. He passed away at his home on July 15, 2012, with his twin sister, Leola Jackson by his side.
“Sarge” was a graduate of Howard High School Class of 1969. Upon graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army in 1969 and retired in 1993 as a Master Sergeant after serving 24 years for his country. During his military career, he served in the Vietnam War along with receiving many awards to include: National Defense Medal, Meritorious Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Sarge was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lena and Bennie Bonner along with Sam and Adelle Ball.
He leaves to cherish his memories his devoted mother, Helen Ball; daughter, Leundra (Rodrick) Ward; sons, Jeffrey (Stephanie) Ball, Sr., and Travis Ball; sisters, Leola Jackson and Patricia Johnson; brother, Eugene Ball; brother-in-law, Roland Jackson, Sr.; grandchildren, Jeffrey Ball, Jr., Jayla Ball, LaQuan Frost and eight more; his niece, Eugenia (Willie) Stewart; nephews, Raphael (Nova) Young, Ronald (Tomesha) Jordan, Victor (Yolanda) Jackson, Bryant (Torial) Young, Gregory Thomas, Patrick (Kiesha) Thomas; devoted friends, Gloria Yancy, Alva Hicks, Perry Beck and Roland Young.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 23, at noon in the chapel with Reverend David Hill and others officiating. Interment will be in National Cemetery.
The body will lie in state after noon on Sunday, July 22, with the family receiving friends from 6-7 p.m. at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9995.