William Elmer Ball

William Elmer Ball (Billy or Bill), 67, of Leonardtown, MD passed away surrounded by his loving family on May 31, 2015 at his residence. Born on October 3, 1947 in Leonardtown, MD, he was the son of the late Laura Mae Knott Ball Spalding and Charles Henry Ball. William was the husband of Barbara Joan Wilde Ball whom he married on September 21, 1985 in Callaway, MD. William is survived by his children: Christy Yager (Roland) of Lusby, MD, Brandon Ball of Leonardtown, MD, Jennifer Fitts of PA, and 6 grandchildren. Siblings: Sara Woodburn of Leonardtown, MD, and Gary Ball of OH. He was preceded in death by his siblings: Anne Russell and Charles Ball. Bill graduated from Leonardtown high school in 1965, and was a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County, MD. William Served in the United States Army from September 5, 1967 to December 18, 1969, while serving in the Army he earned the National Defense Service Medal and was a Vietnam Veteran. Billy worked as a Parks Manager for St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks for 33 years retiring in June, 2005. Bill loved people. He could walk up to anyone and talk to them like they were his best friend. He was a jokester, but could also be quite charming. He was always ready to lend a helping hand. He was a food pusher; anyone who ever ate a meal at his home knew to go ahead and get another helping because “the dogs were going to get it if they didn’t.” He especially loved when all of his children and grandchildren gathered together for family meals. Bill was born with a “Need For Speed,” both on water and on land. He loved to tell of his younger year’s drag racing down Abell’s Wharf Lane. He loved Ford automobiles, especially his Shelby GT 500. He love being on the water; boating, fishing, and crabbing. Bill was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in September of 2010. He continued to live life to its fullest despite his prognosis. He fought through the bad days and cherished the good ones. He made many more good friends during this time and touched so many lives in a positive way. As he drew closer to God over the last few years, he was able to help bring others closer to God too. It was an honor and a pleasure to know him. The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 4, 2015 from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Leonardtown, MD. A Funeral Service will follow at 6:00 PM with Pastor Arthur Shepherd officiating. Interment will be held at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, VA. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society 1041 Rt. 3 North Building A Gambrills, MD 21054, and/or Hospice of St. Mary’s P.O. Box 625 Leonardtown, MD 20650.