CECIL A. BALL, 84, of Punta Gorda, Florida, passed away peacefully, Sunday, May 27, 2012, at Tidewell Hospice in Port Charlotte, after a 15 month battle with Leukemia.

Cecil was born August 4, 1927, in Greeneville, Tennessee, to the late Clarence Ball and Carrie Jeffers, and moved to Port Charlotte 43 years ago. He was a graduate of Doak High School in Tusculum, Tennessee. He served in the United States Army during World War II as part of the Occupational Forces in Akita, Japan. Upon his return he received his Bachelor’s Degree from East Tennessee State University and his Master’s Degree from the University of Mississippi in Education and Administration. During his 45 years in education, he influenced the lives of many students through teaching in both Tennessee and Florida and later as Principal of Peace River Elementary School for 15 years. His last assignment was Director of Health, PE and Guidance where he served until his retirement in 1990.

Cecil lived a life that honored God by his character and integrity. He was always willing to help and be there for everyone—his love showed no boundaries–and the joy of the Lord showed in his strength and positive attitude as he faced some of life’s trials. His eternal spark was a true inspiration to those around him because he loved life and always saw the good in people and saw each of life’s situations as a way to serve others.

Family was the most important thing in Cecil’s life and he leaves a legacy in all of the lives he touched. He will be missed by the wife he cherished for 59 years, Charlene Hayes Ball; his daughter, Becky McLaughlin of North Port, Florida; his son and daughter-in-law, Joe and Tammy Ball of Kingsport, Tennessee; his youngest daughter and son-in-law, Celene and Stephen Kipfinger of Port Charlotte, Florida; a sister and brother-in law Geneva and Albert Foshie; a brother and sister-in-law Homer and Phyllis Ball; a sister and brother-in-law Nina and Ervin Shelton; a grandson and his wife, Ben and Emily Ball; his four granddaughters, Danielle Ball and Samantha, Rachel and Jenna Kipfinger; his lifelong best buddy, Bill Reynolds of Greeneville, Tennessee, and a host of relatives and friends. Called to heaven before Cecil’s death, was his brother, J.C. Ball and his sister, Loretta Dunn.

A very heartfelt thanks from the family goes to the special girls in the ACC Transfusion Unit and ACC Registration Office at Charlotte Regional Hospital in Punta Gorda, Florida, who showed the caring hands of God to Cecil on his many visits. Special thanks go to Dr. Ivor Percent and the staff of Florida Cancer Specialist for their outstanding care and for being such a blessing. We are also very grateful to the caregivers at Tidewell Hospice for making Cecil’s last days meaningful and memorable.

A memorial service to celebrate Cecil’s life will be held Saturday, June 16, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. at the Port Charlotte United Methodist Church. Through their words, Rev. Brian James of PCUMC and Rev. Ron Tipton of Murdock Baptist Church will honor his life. Military honors will be by a U.S. Army Honor Guard. Clay Conway, a dear friend, will play some of Cecil’s favorite hymns. Cecil’s ashes will be spread at his request in the beautiful mountains of East Tennessee near Sam’s Gap.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to two of Cecil’s favorite charities: Florida United Methodist Children’s Home, 51 Children’s Way, Enterprise, Florida, 32725; or Holston United Methodist Home for Children, P.O. Box 188, Greeneville, Tennessee 37744.

Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to sign the memory book and extend condolences to the family. Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory Port Charlotte Chapel