Alton Ray Ball

Mr. Alton Ray Ball was called home to rest by our Heavenly Father on Monday, February 9, 2009. Called "Al" by his family and friends, he was born on August 27, 1935, in Leakesville, MS., but spent the majority of his life living on the Gulf Coast. Alton lived a full and active life. He was always busy with his hobbies and various other interests. After serving his country in the U.S. Navy, he went on to retire as an electronics instructor and technical writer from Civil Service at Keesler Air Force Base. A few of his accomplishments included flying, marine captain, auctioneering, gardening and a master magician. He was past president of the International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 27 in New Orleans, LA. He loved raising a large garden and sharing it with others. Alton always had a quick smile and a story to tell. In the course of his life he touched many others by sharing his faith. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Vancleave. Alton will be sadly missed by his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elvin and Rae Belle Ball and two daughters, Melinda (Lindy) Haines and Rose Marie (Be Be) Flint. Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Margaret, of Vancleave, two daughters, Cynthia Chatagnier of North Biloxi, and Carol (Jerry) Dahl of Vancleave, two sisters, Carolyn Dodge of Ocean Springs, and Annette (Bob) Armbruster of Lawrenceville, GA., grandchildren, Angela Haines of Cincinati, OH., Alan Haines of Pataskala, OH., Tracy and Adam Chatagnier of North Biloxi, Gary Lee, Melanie and Tina Flint of Jackson, MS. and T.J. (Chelsa) Richburg of Vancleave, four great-grandchildren, and many other family and friends. Visitation will be on Thursday, February 12, 2009, from 6-8 PM, at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home. On Friday, February 13, 2009, there will be a 1:00 PM chapel service in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Biloxi National Cemetery.