Harry "Hal" Baker Ball

Harry "Hal" Baker Ball, 87, died Thursday, April 05, 2012, following a period of declining health. He was born in Kansas City, MO on May 26, 1924 and was a son of the late David Ball and Marguerite Baker Ball. Hal was a U. S. Navy veteran of World War II, where he was stationed in the South Pacific. Hal continued his education, receiving a B. A. degree from the University of Southern California. He also attended the Kansas City Arts Institute, Johns Hopkins, Coppin State College, and the University of Maryland. He was a member of the Albert Pike Masonic Lodge #219 in Kansas City and was proud to have had the late President Harry Truman as his past master.As an art teacher, Hal taught in Baltimore City Schools, Anne Arundel County Schools, both in Maryland, and at the Children’s School in Morganton. He was also formerly employed at the Department of Defense as a graphic artist. Hal volunteered at the Burke United Christian Ministry Soup Kitchen, Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, and the Burke Literacy Council.Surviving are his sons, Bruce A. Ball and his wife, Mary, of Las Cruces, NM and Brian D. Ball and his wife, Aleta, of Crownsville, MD; daughters, Judith Lynn Bonanno and her husband, John, of Severna Park, MD and KD Ball of Hickory; grandchildren, Kristin, Erika, David, Julia, and Matthew; his long time companion, Joan Pulliam of Morganton; his former wife, Diane Burnham Lovelace of Hickory; a brother, Robert Ball and his wife, Jane, of Bellingham, WA; and a number of nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents, Hal was preceded in death by his first wife, Jean Posko Ball; a brother, David Ball, Jr.; and a sister, Lorraine Bolte.A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, April 21, 2012 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Rev. Michael Costner officiating. Masonic Rites will be conducted by Catawba Valley Lodge #217. The family will receive friends at the funeral home for one hour prior to the service. Interment services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.