Milner Ball

I am just discovering Prof. Ball through his wonderful work, The Promise of American Law: A Theological, Humanistic View of Legal Process, (which I have been reading for a couple years), for a paper that I am writing. I finally went to look him up and see that he has made his transition to eternal life. God blessed us with his massive intellect and heart. I pray that many of us who have made contact with him, either in person, and/or in his writing (as I am), will carry those on. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let the perpetual light shine upon him, may the soul of Milner S. Ball, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. My thoughts and condolences to his family and friends and colleagues who, I am sure, still miss him.

i still vividly remember conversations with milner over many years. our offices at the law school were located close together, and we'd frequently discuss "practical" law questions that arose in milner's efforts to help those who needed help. milner fought for the interests of those who especially needed help, and i valued him for that fight. his legacy lives.

I was for a brief time a law professor at UGA during which time Milner was a student. We instantly got along, so much so that he performed my marriage in a Georgia field with many of my students in attendance. He was immensely helpful and supportive of our efforts for greater minority representation at the law school. Milner was force for good, and Socrates would have been pleased with his work as a teacher. My best to his family.

It was only recently that I learned of Prof. Ball's passing. Considering all of the exotic places that he worked and called home, I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had him as my law school professor during his brief time at Rutgers (Camden, N.J.). There, he taught a wonderful course, the naming of which was pure Milner: "The Limits of the Law as an Instrument for Social Change." And how he pushed us to push those limits. His confidence and courage was camouflaged buy his quiet grace and humility. Law school was not among the favorite periods of my life. But I always looked forward to this class and his thoughtful, inspiring intellect. There have been few heros in my life. Milner Ball was surely one. My thoughts go out to his family.

Professor Ball was an intellectual giant that strived to help society become more just. I was privileged to be his student at UGA law years ago.

He was what we all want to be as lawyers, as human beings. Peace to his family and friends.

Athens has lost a towering figure~ May God bless and keep the Ball Family~~~ Calvin Orlando Smith (Bristol, United Kingdom)

Milner was a mentor and an inspiration to me. He was so clear that the law embodies our moral and ethical calling, and he was also a great example as a father, spouse and son as well as a citizen of his community and the world. I really appreciate his influence in my life, and wish peace to his wonderful family.

Our memories of Milner are as one of the fittest people we ever knew. We have very fond memories of time spent with June and Milner.

We will miss Miner's voracious laugh and unbounded generosity of spirit and time. We are very thankful for the time shared with him and June, albeit far too short.

Paula Cooey and Phil Nichols

Godspeed, Prof. Slip your anchor. The bell tolls for us.

June and family, You are all in my prayers. I have many wonderful memories from childhood when you were all part of our life at Westminster.

My love and condolences to all of Milner's family. He was inspiring, tireless, kind, gentle, gracious. His efforts on behalf of people in need of advocacy will carry on as his influence as an educator and mentor resonates in those who knew him. May he rest in peace.

I always enjoyed times at milner and junes house. Was friends with Scott. Wonderful man. Tim Kanouff, eureka, ca

Milner was a mentor and pastor. He deeply shaped my life. I treasure him.

Prof. Ball was of immeasurable help to me in law school. Occasionally maddening, always cheerful, forever challenging. I once joked with him that - given the curved nature of space/time - if some of our political views moved any further apart, we would actually be getting closer to agreement. I am grateful for his immeasurable kindness to me, for his mentoring and his support. A graduate of the Yale Divinity School, he even agreed to perform the wedding service when I married my wife Joan. I count it a great honor to call myself his student and his friend. Like everyone who knew him, I will miss him greatly.

Milner will be greatly missed in Athens and elsewhere. My deepest condolences to June and other family members. He will be remembered with love and devotion by all who knew him

milner was a good person who made the community a better place. i enjoyed discussing the morality of law with him many times over 30 years and observing him search for the "right thing to do" in the more ambiguous cases.

Professor Ball was one of my favorite law school professors. My heartfelt condolences to his family.

Dr. Ball was one of my teachers at UGA in 1968 and a friend in a time of great need a few years later. He was one of the most remarkable men I have ever had the great good luck to know.

Milner was truly one of the saints on this earth and will be truly missed. My love, thoughts and prayers go out to his family and his many friends.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.