VANNIE L. BALL

     Mr. Vannie Lee Ball was born on February 25, 1942 to the late Floyd Ball, Sr. of Tuscaloosa, Alabama and Ada Mae Wilson who presently resides in Detroit, Michigan. Mr. Ball departed this life on November 8, 2016 with his devoted wife and children by his bedside who he dearly loved.

Mr. Ball confessed Christ at an early age at Friendship Baptist Church where he met his lovely wife, Mrs. Bobbie Jean Minor Ball. They were united in Holy Matrimony on December 19, 1963 and later relocated to Worcester, MA. Mr. Ball accepted a position as a machine operator for the Worcester Press, working many years before retiring. Mr. Ball also was the co-owner of the Phillip 66 Gas Station on Park Ave and worked for Jack Getty Station.

Mr. Ball was an active member of New Covenant Baptist Church where Rev. Barry C. Hagler was his pastor. Mr. Ball had a Christ like spirit and was always reaching out to help others. Mr. Ball loved people and had a hard time saying “No” when you needed help. He loved his home town football team the University of Alabama “Crimson Tide,” wrestling, fishing and sports of all kinds. Mr. Ball’s neighborhood children were very special to him and he was always there to assist and guide them with wisdom.

Mr. Ball leaves to mourn his loving and devoted wife, Bobbie Jean Ball; his five children, Shelia Hagler and husband Rev. Barry Hagler, Trampis, Cedric, Jeffrey and Steven all of Worcester, MA. Mr. Ball leaves to mourn, his oldest daughter Earnestine Morgan who resides in Tuscaloosa, Alabama; two brothers, Floyd Ball, Jr. of Worcester and Jacob Henderson of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; four sisters, Fannie Merriweather of Detroit, Michigan, Hester Blackman, Dorothy Walker and Annie O’Neal Polk, Juanita Tucker all of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; two grandchildren, Travis Ball and Quahean Minor; a great grandson, Quahean Minor Jr., many nieces, nephews and extended family members. He also leaves to mourn two special godchildren, Altolina Brown and O’Lando Loggins “Pete.” He preceded two siblings in death, James Smith and Mary Alice Carter of Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Funeral service will be held Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Second Baptist Church, 14 Hammond Street, Worcester, MA. His son in law Barry Hagler will officiate. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. Viewing of the body will be held on Tuesday morning from 9 am to 11 am at Second Baptist Church.