Hilton Wroten Ball

Jackson - Hilton Wroten Ball passed away peacefully at his home on April 30, 2019. During the last two years he bravely battled many health challenges. He was 75 years old.

A public visitation will be held at Sebrell Funeral Home, 425 Northpark Drive, Ridgeland, MS 39157, on Sunday, May 5, 2019 from 3pm to 5pm with a family graveside service to follow.

Hilton was born in Brookhaven, MS on May 29, 1943 to Hilton Edison Ball and Anita Wroten Ball. In his youth he enjoyed playing with neighborhood friends, spending time at Zetus with his grandparents and cousins, and participating in sports. He was a proud graduate of Brookhaven High School. After graduation, Hilton attended Mississippi State University on a football scholarship. An honor graduate of MSU, he also served as M-Club president and Co-captain of the 1964 football team. He and his MSU football team were Liberty Bowl Champions the last year the bowl was held in Philadelphia, PA. As a linebacker, Hilton was always proud that the MSU defense only gave up 82 points the entire season. In 2013 he was reunited with his teammates for the Liberty Bowl Champions 50th anniversary.

He enjoyed a long professional career in the field of business computer programming and information systems. He joined IBM and received computer training that he utilized in his work with First National Bank, Deposit Guaranty, and several insurance companies. He worked for many years "in retirement" as a self-employed computer programmer, joining forces with several area businesses. He served as the technology coordinator at Park Place Christian Academy until his illness forced him into permanent retirement in October 2017.

Hilton loved God and his family. He married his college sweetheart Dee Cooper Ball and they were the proud parents of four children. Finding joy and strength in family, he encouraged each of his children to be successful in all of their endeavors. He was their No. 1 cheerleader. For the last twenty years he also enjoyed watching and supporting his ten grandchildren in all of their activities. He will be dearly missed by his family.

In addition to his wife, Hilton is survived by his daughters Dr. Amy Ball Coleman (Dr. Jim) and Stacy Ball Anderson (Mike) and his twin sons Dr. Brad Ball, and Dr. Ken Ball (Mary). He is also survived by his ten grandchildren: Avery (19) and Reese (17) Anderson, Jay (18) and Will (15) Coleman, Carter (11) and Claire (8) Ball, and Samuel (16), Stephens (14), Betsy (12), and Lanah (10) Ball. He is also survived by his sister Margaret Ball Howington and numerous cousins.His family would like to especially thank his cousins, John David and Clinton Smith; his sister-in-law and family, Charlie and June Scoggins; his medical team at Lakeland Fresenius Kidney Care, Baptist Medical Center and University Medical Center.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following:Mississippi State Bulldog Club https://ev15.evenue.net/www/ev_msst/ss/ev/DonationEntry?donationCd=BDCDON19&siteId=ev_msst&locale=en_US&linkID=msst, Hilton was on the Mississippi State football team from 1961-1964. He was co-captain of the 1964 football team. He was president of the M-Club in 1964-1965. His football team won the Liberty Bowl in 1963.

JA Teacher Endowment Jackson Academy Endowment, https://jacksonacademy.org/supportja/givenow/

Hilton's wife, Dee Ball, has taught at Jackson Academy since 1989. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, https://pages.mwoy.org/rm/denver19/bballr, Hilton's son, Brad, is involved in a fundraiser for the LLS, which helps patients and families with blood cancer.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Clarion Ledger on May 3, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Hilton Ball

Sponsored by Sebrell Funeral Home.

14 Entries

Joe White Ball

April 27, 2025

Hilton W. Ball was my first cousin. His Dad, Hilton E. Ball, was a big brother of my Dad, Quentin Odell Ball. I have always treasured, admired and respected Hilton. He was an excellent baseball and football player, both at Brookhaven High School and Mississippi State University. I proudly followed his years at MSU and attended MSU from 1965 through graduation in 1969. His success at State motivated me to attend State where I became an M-Club member as a member of the golf team. I was always remember Hilton and hold him in high esteem.

Joe White Ball

Jessie Baldwin

June 6, 2019

To the family, I am sorry to find out about Hilton today. He was a dear friend for many of years. I met Hilton in the early 90s and work with him for over 20 some years. We had lost in touch over the last few years. I'm really going to miss him. May God give each and everyone of his family members the contront you need.

May 6, 2019

We will miss seeing Mr. Ball at the Feast, with his camera taking pictures of everyone. He was such a gentleman. Our sincere sympathy to his family.
Mario, Phyllis & Maria Riccardi
Brooklyn. NY

May 6, 2019

We will miss seeing Mr. Ball at the Feast, with his camera taking pictures of everyone. He was such a gentleman. Our sincere sympathy to his family.
Mario, Phyllis & Maria Riccardi
Brooklyn. NY

Myrene Gray

May 6, 2019

You will be Missed.

Erick & Pamela Lundstrom

May 6, 2019

Dear Hilton Ball's family My husband Erick and I , Pam express our deepest sympathy. We are from New England and have attended Feast of Tabernacles with Hilton over 20 years as our children have attended summer camp in their teen years. Hilton was a very bright,, wise and kind man to our children Troy, Janae and ourselves He had a great since of humor and really loved people at the church. He will be surely missed . May you find peace in your sorrow. Warm regards the Lundstrom's

Shelley & Jim Whitenton

May 5, 2019

We will miss you

May 5, 2019

It is with both a sad heart that I share with you the news that we will miss Hilton until we get to see him in Heaven;
but with joy we smile at the remembrance of him:
his wit and intelligence, his Christian love, his exuberant enthusiasm, and all the other qualities we love about him - as well as the knowledge that we will be reunited with him later.
As a child, I mentally called Hilton "my fighting cousin" as well as "kissing cousin. We were both born in 1943, only three months apart, and we were both Very Competitive. I suppose my theme song around Hilton was, "Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better".
Wesley (my father, born in 1902) and Hilton (Hilton's father, born in 1906) were the two eldest living Ball brothers of their family, and they lived fairly close together for 51 years. My father Wesley Ball lived in McComb, and Hilton Edison Ball lived in Brookhaven. We visited together often.
In 1953 (when I was ten), we moved to Jackson, so Hilton and I did not get to do things together after that -- except that he escorted me to my senior prom in 1960 after I had broken up with my boyfriend.
By then Hilton was what we girls called "drop-dead handsome", a football star, as well as smart, plus he had the graces of a true southern gentleman like his father and mine.
During the last few years, Hilton came to the Ball Reunion every year until he was unable to do so,
but he always told me, "I plan to come."
He and I talked, sent text messages, and emailed each other as often as he was able. I continued to do so after he was no longer able to respond.
Hilton was a very special cousin. He and I didn't need many words to communicate with each other: we understood each other; and I shall miss him terribly.
In the 2017 Ball Reunion, Hilton led us in a deeply stirring Devotional on "Forgiveness", sharing appropriate Bible texts.
He also was our Ball Reunion secretary for two years, and during this last year, he posted many a photograph on his Facebook page(s).
I wish all you children of Hilton and Dee and younger cousins could have gotten to know Hilton when he was young as well as I did. I would gladly share memories I have of him via the medium of your choice: the William Ball Family Association web site and Facebook site, telephone, email.....
You can find my contact information on his cell phone and email, etc.....

We pray for you: Hilton's closest family members: his wife Dee, children, and grandchildren.
May you be blessed with his Christian character and love and be comforted by the Holy Spirit of God.

We are his family.
We are your family, too.
God be with us all.

Yours in Christ,
FrancesLoraine Ball
/Mom/Grandmere/Cousin/Friend

Joe Ball

May 3, 2019

Hilton was a loving, caring and thoughtful man that I have always loved, admired and respected. I always considered Hilton as an idol of mine. I send my warmest condolences to all of Hilton's family and his many friends.

Joe White Ball
A first cousin of Hilton

May 3, 2019

My sincere condolences to the family may the God who binds up the brokenhearted and comforts all who mourn sustain you now and in the days ahead Isaiah 61:1,2

Tracy Fortenberry

May 2, 2019

I am so sorry to hear this. Your family is such a big part of my life especially when I look back at my childhood and teen years. Mr. Hilton was always there cheering us on and such a great man. I love you all and you all will be in my prayers. - Tracy Fortenberry

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