Obituary

Rodney Warren Ball, Sr.

August 29, 1926 - December 12, 2023

Rodney Warren Ball, Sr., age 97 and a resident of Franklinton, passed away Tuesday evening December 12, 2023. He was born in Angie, LA on August 29, 1926 and attended Angie High School before graduating from Bogalusa High School and later Sullivan Memorial Trade School. Rodney was a United States Navy veteran of World War II, serving as an armed guard on a Merchant Marine ship in the South Pacific. He was a longtime member of the American Legion in Franklinton, serving as Post Commander in 1995-1996, before joining the Magic City American Legion Post 24 in Bogalusa. Rodney worked as a carpenter, alongside Ray Sylvest for many years, performing light construction of small buildings, ramps and other projects at people’s homes. He once served as an Alderman for the Village of Angie and he volunteered at Mile Branch Settlement during the Fair for over 20 years. Rodney was a longtime active member of Hillcrest Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for many years. Upon moving to Deacon Emeritus, Rodney was presented a plaque for 78 years of deacon service at Hillcrest and other churches he had attended throughout his life. He was active in many church building projects, such as the construction of the church annex and outreach projects for people in need. Rodney loved to plant a large garden each year and he shared the many vegetables with his neighbors, family and friends.

Survived by: Daughter and Son in law: Mary Ball English and Richard English of Great Falls, MT; Son and Daughter in law: Rodney W. Ball, Jr. and Brenda Ball of Austin, TX; Grandchildren: Christopher M. Havens, Ryan C. Ball both of Austin, Arthur Warren Cunningham and Emily Cunningham of Great Falls, John M. Cunningham of Helena, MT; Great-grandchildren: Caleb Warren Ball, Ashlee Rene Martinez both of Austin; Also numerous nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by his daughter Claudia B. Cearley, wife of 56 years Helen Marie McDaniel Ball, parents Michael E. Ball and Alma McKenzie Ball, brother Ray Ball, sisters Ouida Ball Boyles, Marjorie Ball Wright, Dorothy Ball Hennigan, Bobbie Ball Brown and other family members.

Visitation will be at Hillcrest Baptist Church (2201 Washington Street, Franklinton) on Monday December 18th from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. A funeral service will be held in the church at 11:00 am Monday with Dr. Gene Richards and Rev. Dustin Pierce officiating. Burial will follow in the Bonnie Cemetery in Angie with military honors provided by American Legion Post 24.