JAMES DILLARD BALL

Mr. James Dillard Ball, age 87, passed from this life on Friday, November 7, 2014, at his home in Pine Knot, Kentucky.

Dillard had been a grounds supervisor with the United States Forest Service for more than 25 years.  He had also worked in a machine shop and for D. H. Campbell for many years.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in the Korean Conflict.  He enjoyed coon hunting, farming and gardening.  He was always proud of his garden.

He was born in Pine Knot, Kentucky, on February 22, 1927, to the late Sherman and Etta (Hamlin) Ball.  He is preceded in death by his parents, a son; Roger Kyle Ball and an infant son, two brothers; Lewie Ball and Don Ball, and three sisters; Alene Hasten, Faye Portland and Pauline Webb.

Surviving family include his wife of 65 years, Ruth (Stephens) Ball whom he married April 1, 1948 of Pine Knot, three daughters; Velvie Byrd (and Joe) of Taylor Michigan, Diane Stephens (and Larry) of Pine Knot, and Wilma Neal (and Jerry) of Whitley City, a brother; Bennie Ball (and Wanda) of Pine Knot, and a sister; Elsie Smith (and Floyd) of Dayton, Ohio. 

Dillard and Ruth were blessed with eight grandchildren; Sherri Lynn King,  Darren Ball, Tony Byrd, Chrissy Brown, Eric Morrow, Jennifer Kidd, James Stephens and Maria Harris, 18 great grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 12, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of Pine Knot Funeral Home with Rev. Harvey Logan and Rev. Dennis Bryant officiating.  He will be laid to rest at the King Cemetery in Pine Knot.  Serving as pall bearers will be James Stephens, Chad Kidd, Frankie Brown, Vince Cordell, Zach Barbee, Colby King, Chad Lee Stevens and Alex Jones. 

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:00 – 9:00 at the funeral home.