Edward "Ed" Franklin Ball

Edward "Ed" Franklin Ball, 71, died Friday, Feb. 27, 2009, at his residence. He was born Sept. 11, 1937, in Macey. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Amanda (Harrell) Ball.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carolyn Jo (Woodsmall) Ball of the home; two sons, Ken Ball of Stuttgart and Russell Ball of Heber Springs; three grandchildren, Aaron Ball of Little Rock and Jessica and Alyssa Ball of Jonesboro; two sisters, Nancy Bowman of Cordova, Tenn. and Linda Stotts of Marion; a brother and sister-in-law, Phil and Lenette Ball of Trumann.

He was a retired farmer and past owner of Ed Ball construction, 1976-1992, a former commissioner of the Arkansas Industrial Development Commission, former board member of Unico Bank, past active member of the Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce and the Jonesboro Jaycees, and a two time delegate to the National Republican Convention. As a graduate of Monette High School, he was asked to become the first president of the reunion committee in 1989 and served faithfully until his death.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Monday at the Gregg Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro with Kenneth Gossett officiating. Burial was at the Monette Memorial Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Troy Henry, Ron Carmack, Willis Gray, Rodney Malloy, Bob Robinson and Bob Grisham.