Roger Ball Obituary

Roger A. Ball

June 14, 1944 -

January 27, 2026

Roger Ball passed away on January 27, 2026, following a long illness. Born June 14, 1944, in Middlesboro, Kentucky, Roger's humble beginnings in the Cedar Fork community of Claiborne County shaped the person he was throughout his life. He was a longtime member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church and took solace in his faith.

Roger was raised in a home without running water and had to rise early each morning to take care of the chickens and carry water from the nearby spring. He learned his work ethic from his parents, local grocery store owners and farmers, Tom and Hester Ball, who instilled in him the value of hard day's work. Roger earned his college degree from Lincoln Memorial University, becoming the first member of his family to go to college. He earned his graduate degree in education from the University of Tennessee and taught economics and vocational courses at Claiborne County High School.

Roger was best known for his business smarts. He got his start in the Ready-Mix business and went on to build the successful Ball Realty & Auction.

Roger never tired in his work to improve Claiborne County and East Tennessee. He served for 36 years on the board of directors for Powell Valley Electric Cooperation, as Vice-Chairman of the Claiborne County Industrial Development Board, and as Board President at Citizens Bank.

Roger was a member of the Board of Trustees at Lincoln Memorial University and the chair of the Workforce Investment Act Board at Walters State Community College. He helped open the Five Rivers Career Center and led the effort to bring a Walters State campus to Claiborne County.

Roger loved life, whether it was watching a ball game, having a good meal, or talking politics. He was a strong supporter of Lincoln Memorial University basketball, following the team across the country, even to the Division II National Championship. Fall weekends often found him at Neyland Stadium cheering on the University of Tennessee Volunteers.

Roger's main source of joy was his family. He was proud of his daughters Denise and Teresa. His greatest joy, though, was his granddaughter, Ines, whom he traveled around the world to see.

Roger's support of his community and devotion to his family and friends were the hallmarks of his character. Roger's absence will be deeply felt by all who were fortunate enough to know him, yet his influence will continue to resonate within the East Tennessee community through the lives he touched.

Roger is preceded in death by his parents, Tom Ball and Hester Riley Ball. He is survived by his sister, Karen Watson, his daughters, Denise Matson (Ken) and Teresa Ball, and his granddaughter, Ines Preza. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Chad, Tara, and Andy Watson

Special thanks to the dedicated employees throughout the years of Ball Hardware and Ball Realty & Auction, his best friends Hack Ayers and Lloyd Brooks, his LMU basketball group, business associates, and friends around the world.

Pallbearers: Bill Short, Mark Upton, H. Short, Mike Johnson, Lucas Johnson and Ronnie Beason.

Honorary Pallbearers: Tom Shumate, Charles Carman, Dr. Carroll Rose and Jean Williams.

The family extends special thanks to Roger's team of nurses, who provided excellent care and support the last four years. Thank you Charlie, Diane, Jamie, Jessie Kate, Leann, Nataly, and Rhonda.

Claiborne - Overholt Funeral Home