Jesse F. Ball, Jr.

Bluefield, WV Jesse F. Ball, Jr., 92, went to be with the Lord on April 23, 2012 following a brief illness. He was a well-known dairy farmer and writer, loved and admired by his family, neighbors and friends from far and wide. His inquisitive mind, ready grin, bright blue eyes and insightful quips entertained his visitors while his stories about farm characters caught in comical situations probed the ironies of life. Born on Maple Street February 4, 1920 to Jesse and Rachel Griffith Ball, he started work at his father’s grocery store on Bluefield Avenue. His education at Bluefield College was interrupted by World War II, when he started service in the Army. On June 6, 1944 he joined his parents who moved to the family farm near Midway, where he was to spend his active years as a dairy farmer. Mr. Ball was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Franklin and Rachel Elizabeth Griffith Ball, his sister, Orphia Lynn Bennett, Mr. Ball’s wife, Jean Barnett Ball of Bluefield, Virginia, who worked in real estate in Bluefield. His son Frank of Bluefield, and wife Anne, of Sete, France and his two grandsons, Arthur, of Blacksburg, Virginia; and Philippe and son Xavier of Bluefield survive him. In tribute to him, neighbors and family are invited to a memorial reception at Frank and Anne’s home Sunday, April 29, from two until five p.m. Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.com Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell is serving the family.