Barry Ball

John Barry Ball, 82, of Blytheville, passed away Feb. 29, 2024. Born in 1942, he was a life-long resident of Blytheville and a graduate of Blytheville High School where he was a member of the basketball and baseball teams. He was raised on a cotton farm south of the city, served in the U.S. Army and returned home to farm in Mississippi County for 25 years. He decided to switch careers and moved into sales for Ford Motor Company until his retirement.

Barry was very involved in his community. He was a member of the American Legion, vice president of the Jaycees, president of the Lions Club, member of Mississippi County Democratic Committee, secretary and treasurer of the Blytheville Port Authority, member of the Chamber of Commerce, an elected member of the Mississippi County Quorum Court, and an elder of the First Presbyterian Church. Barry was passionate about cooking the perfect barbeque ribs along with hunting and fishing.

A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he is survived by his wife of over 59 years, Ann Carter Ball; two children, Kim Ball of Washington, D.C., Mary Lynn Saady of Richmond, Vir.; three grandchildren, Thomas Saady and Kate Saady of Richmond, Vir., and Claire Norris of Washington, D.C.

Barry was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Gurthol Ball of Blytheville; and five siblings, Bonnie Hill, Mary Turley, Vivian Mahan, Jan Gurley and Stan Ball.

His life will be celebrated Tuesday, March 5, at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Blytheville. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until service time at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent in Barry’s name to the First Presbyterian Church, 1520 North 10th Street, Blytheville, AR 72315. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.