Charleston, South Carolina
Edward Robbins Ball, Jr. CHARLESTON - Edward Robbins Ball, Jr. left many things on Thursday, April 28, 2011. He left a family who adored him, friends who will miss his jocular wit, coworkers who loved him, and many people who only remained strangers for the briefest of seconds. But that's not all he left. He also left an indelible legacy of self-sacrificing love, of caring and going the extra mile and giving the shirt off his back, a love expressed in food shared, in showing and teaching, in being there to lend a hand, an ear, or some barbecue. His was a love not just in word but in deed. He loved the water. He sailed on it, fished from it, worked by it and played in it. Thanks for showing us this love, Robbin. You may not have realized how Christ-like it was. May we honor God and you by living more like you. Robbin was born on November 29, 1953, in Roper Hospital where he also passed away this last Thursday in the presence of his family. His education began at Porter Military Academy, continued at First Baptist High School and graduated from the Citadel. He was an avid sailor and sailing instructor, a regular at the regattas around town. He followed his love of the water and worked for the past 20 years for the Charleston Line Handlers as a Stevedore. He has three wonderful children (by his first wife, Sarah Johnston) that he is very proud of: Laura, the organist and choir director for Holy Spirit Catholic Church here in Charleston; Molly, finishing up her doctorate degree at UCLA while living with her husband, Pablo Sierra, in Los Angeles; and Edward, graduating next week from Clemson and entering MUSC Medical School this fall. He has spent the last 11 joy-filled years married to Brenda Neal, who works at MUSC. Visitation will be at the James A. McAlister funeral home on 1620 Savannah Highway this Sunday, May 1, 2011, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on Savannah Highway (5 St. Teresa Dr., Charleston) at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, May 2, 2011, with The Rite of Committal following the service at Holy Cross Cemetery (604 Fort Johnson Road). Robbin is survived by his wife Brenda Neal Ball; children, Laura Ball, Molly Ball Sierra (husband, Pablo), Edward Ball, III, their mother Sarah Johnston; parents, Edward R. Ball, Sr and Joan Alward Ball; brother, Thomas M. Ball, Sr. (wife, Ann, deceased) and sister, Arden B. Meyer (husband, Eric); nieces, Barbara Ball, Emily Meyer; nephews, Ross Meyer (wife Aislinn), Moultrie Ball, Jennings Ball, Tian Meyer; Uncles, Frank J. Ball, PhD, The Rev. Cannon John C. Ball; Step-children, Trey Meyer and Laura Campbell (husband Randy) and step-grandchildren, Reed and Avery Campbell. Arrangements are by JAMES A. MCALISTER Funerals & Cremation (843) 766-1365. Robbins' guest book may be signed online at www.jamesamcalister.com. Visit our guestbook at www.postandcourier.com/ deaths
our deepest sympathies to the Ball family. i had a bad feeling when i did not see him at our tobacco store for a while. he will be missed.
andy Miller
May 19, 2011 | Charleston, SC
I am stunned by this news of Robbin passing. My heart goes out to his wife and parents and most especially to his children Laura, Molly, Edward and also to Sarah who shared much of his life. I hope your hearts mend sooner than later and the sweet memories take the place of the shock and the grief. I remember how sweet he was. Bless all of you in your sorrow.
Chris Mahon
May 17, 2011 | MO
Brenda and family, May God bless you abd your family in this time of sorrow. As the days that follow, May the love of friends and family and Gods love for you help with your grief and loss. God Bless! Love Yvonne Smith, Philadelphia, Ms
Yvonne Smith
May 03, 2011 | Philadelphia, MS
Robin was a rare soul in today's world, he was so moddest and down to earth. I can say that he never in my some twenty something years of working on the waterfront have I seen him get jealous or show any boast of ego. He was quiet man but yet he loved a joke and never in my time of knowing him did I hear him speak negative about anyone. That is something I can't say about most people including myself. I truly can say I will miss Robin but I'm glad I had the time with him. I can learn...
Daniel Roberson
May 02, 2011 | Summerville, SC
Sadly, our first personal opportunity to spend time with Robbin was only very recently, at the Civil War musical program that his daughter, Laura, gave at the Charleston Library Society. Our enduring memory of him will be his smile and his tears conveying so clearly his love and pride in those moments. And secondly, for his generosity to my husband and I. Loving and generous. That is who Robbin Ball was to us. Jesus loves that... In Him, Renate & Mike Friason
Renate Friason
May 02, 2011 | Charleston, SC
May 1,2011
Leola and family we are so sorry to hear of your loss.I met Edward Jr. during the time I was assisting Sarah with her mother Mrs. Laura Johnston and he was so nice. Again I met him at Molly and Pablo Reception an we chat briefly Our Prayers are with the family.
-Leola & David Sackiel, Harleyville, South carolina
May 01, 2011
Brenda and Family: Rember when babies are born we are to be sad and when a loved one dies we are to be happy because we no that they have gone home to be with our Lord and Savior. Robbie will be missed because he was so caring, loving and giving to everyone he met. With Love To All. Pat and Jim Martin--Northport, Alabama
May 01, 2011
Brenda and family I am sorry to hear of your loss. It was a pleasure to have known him, He was a loving person and a friend.I will always remember him.I am glad to have you and him as a friend.
Shirley Jackson
April 30, 2011 | St, George, SC
For the family of Mr. Ball, so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear loved one. May God's word comfort you, as he promises to wipe out our tears, mourning, outcry, pain and death.
Shandell Finn
April 30, 2011 | Summerville, SC