Theodore Richard Ball

Theodore Richard "Ted" Ball Jr., 81, of Bentonville passed away on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014, at Circle of Life Hospice. Ted was born in Danbury, Neb., on Oct. 10, 1933, to Theodore and Pearl (Oliver) Ball Sr. Ted served in the United States Army as a corporal in the Korean War. He moved to Bentonville in the 1960s from Placerville, Calif. He worked as a brick mason for Alvin Murphy for many years. Ted was as lovable as he was stubborn. His work ethic was matched by few and was as reliable as the day is long. He loved watching movies, spending time outside and his wit was unmeasurable. He was a great mechanic, baker and, I bet, he could have been a candlestick maker. There wasn't much he couldn't master. Ted loved his family and he loved baseball. He coached his niece, Shonda's, softball team in the '70s. He rarely missed any of his nieces and nephews soccer and baseball games. Ted was a friend of many and a common sight at Bentonville's baseball parks over the last 50 years. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a half brother, Fred Hollis of Centerton. Survivors include nieces, Shonda Kimmel, Sue Gibson, Lena Hollis; great-nieces, April Richardson (Scott), Alise Dodson (Matt), Dashya Kimmel, Raisa Bischoff (Matthew); great-nephew, Jesse Kimmel; great-great-nieces, Madeleine Richardson, Taryn Richardson, Mia Dodson; great-great-nephews, Tristan Richardson, Nicklaus Dodson, Benjamin Dodson; sister, Barbara Sleeth (Gene) of California; brother, Harold Ball (Shirley); and cousin, Alberta King of Rogers. In honor of our wonderful Ted's spirit, we close with a baseball quote that fits him so well and will forever bring a smile to our face: "Why does everybody stand up and sing Take Me Out to the Ballgame when they're already there?" — L. Anderson. Uncle Ted will always be with us at the old ballgame. A graveside service will be held at Fayetteville National Cemetery on Oct. 24 at 2 p.m. Cremation arrangements are by Callison-Lough Funeral Home, Bentonville. www.CallisonLough.com