LOUISBURG - Clyde Hillman Ball, 81, of Louisburg, died September 26, 2013, at his home, surrounded by his family. 

Clyde was born September 23, 1932, in Louisburg, North Carolina, to the late Joseph Kearney and Julia Mosley Ball.  He developed a love for flying at a young age, and worked as a crop-duster with his brother, Joe.  It was during this time that he met a pretty young girl named Shirley, and began picking her up for dates in his airplane, much to her mother’s chagrin. On June 18, 1955, he married Shirley, and they began their journey as husband and wife.  First came Connie, then Clyde, Jr. (better known as C.H.). Clyde then embarked on his next career love, drilling wells with Ball Well Drilling Co. He drilled wells and put in well pumps when he founded Ball Pump Service, which he ran for the rest of his life. 

Clyde was a self-made, hardworking man, who was one of a kind.  He was loved by all who had the pleasure of crossing his path.  He loved anything with wings, and enjoyed watching his favorite little birds out of his office window once he was no longer able to take to the sky himself.  His pride and joy were his grandchildren, who were the apples of his eye.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 58 years, Shirley Pernell Ball; daughter, Connie Ball Leonard; son, C.H. Ball, Jr., and wife, Amy;  brothers, Lindy Ball, and his wife, Martha, and Alex Ball; grandchildren, Daniel Leonard, Michael Leonard, Hillman Ball, and wife, Rebekah, Amber Ball, and Myles Ball.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Amy Winstead; brothers, Joseph Ball and Walter Ball; sisters, Novie Dupree and Julia Dickerson.

Visitation was held on Sunday, September 29, from 2:00-3:00 pm at Strickland Funeral Home with funeral following in the chapel at 3:00 pm. Burial immediately followed the service at the Ball Family Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Community Home Care and Hospice for their loving care and kindness over the past months.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Piney Grove United Methodist Church, Building Fund, c/o Louise Spencer, 42 Wallace Rd., Louisburg, NC 27549. www.stricklandfuneralhome.net

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