Mr. Wilbert Ray Ball , 77, of Gulfport, Mississippi, departed this life on Tuesday, January 8, 2019. He was a member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Gulfport, where he served as a Deacon. Additionally, he was a two time graduate of the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education. Deacon Ball was a God fearing man who reared his children in admiration of Christ. He loved his family and through his life, he taught them what it was to be compassionate, hard working and honorable. Beyond his devotion to his family, Deacon Ball served his community and strove each and every day to fulfill his civic obligation to his community.

To this obligation, he became a member of the P.H.A. M W Stringer Grand Lodge, Mount Olive Lodge #83 and the Kuran Temple #48, where he served as a Shriner. His civic duties did not end there; Deacon Ball served on the Harrison County Voters Registration Committee. In addition to his service, Deacon Ball was a former Member of the Gulf Coast Community Action Agency. Loving, compassionate, hard-working and God fearing are only a few words used to describe Deacon Ball. His service to God, his family and his community will forever be cherished and his life's legacy will live on through those who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by both parents, Mr. Alonzo Ball and Mrs. Annie Dean Ball; four brothers, M.L. Polk, Emmit Polk, Hammit Ball and Howard Ball, three sisters, Edn Lee Polk- Christy, Corina Davis, and Clara Ball Holloway.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his beautiful and loving wife, Mrs. Eva Mae Ball; a son/nephew, Orlando Williams; four daughters, Betha Mae Bradley, Janice Ball (Michael) Johnson, Stephanie (Samuel) Robinson and Nicole (Reginald) James; one brother James Ball; four sisters, Lilly Hall, Dorthy Hooker, Betty Taylor, Mary Jane Horton; 15 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.