Jack Ball

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Willis Ray (a.k.a. Happy Jack) Ball, 76, passed away Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at Freeman Hospital in Joplin. Jack was born November 16, 1944 in Eagle Rock, MO to Edward and Lorena Margaret (Carter) Ball. 

He was a lifetime resident of Carthage and employed by Carthage Marble for 33 years; he retired in 2000. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Carthage.

Jack was united in marriage to Betty Seward on December 2, 1967 in Monett; she survives.

Jack is also survived by two sons, Willis Ray Ball, Jr. (Brandy) of Choctaw, OK and Kenneth Edward Ball (Holly) of Joplin; one daughter, Pam Teed (Roy) of Carthage; 12 grandchildren, Chelsea Ball, Jared Ball, Justin Ball (Quinn), Alex Hokit, Camden Hokit, Kimberly Teed, Garren Teed, Cassie Teed, Mason Ball, Mackenzie Ball, Jackson Dodson and Tucker Dodson; one brother, Eugene Ball of Eagle Rock, MO; two sisters, Georgia Hart (Buddie) of Eagle Rock and Rosie Lee Ennis of Seligman, MO.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Johnny Ray Ball (October 2, 1968); three brothers, Lloyd A. Ball, Ellery Ball and Ellis Ball; two sisters, Annabelle in infancy and Ettaree Louise Warren.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 12, 2021 at Ulmer Funeral Home. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 13, 2021 at Ulmer Funeral Home. Burial will be at I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Monett, MO.

Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.