Philip Lance Ball

A life well lived…the simplest way to describe him.

Philip Lance Ball was born on March 25, 1964, to Seth and Barbara Ball of Terry. He passed away on March 19, 2025. He was preceded in death by his father Seth Ball. Lance is survived by his mother Barbara Ball of Terry, MS, his brother Mark Ball (Debra) of Utica, MS, his wife Michelle Ball, son Philip Ball, daughter Anna Ball, and son Seth Ball of Terry, MS, and many nieces, nephews, and special friends.

Lance was not afraid of work, and he worked hard at everything he did. He began his career at McRaes which became Belk, then Saks Fifth Avenue, then Hudson Bay Company. He was most recently employed at Copeland and Johns. Lance was dedicated to his work in Facilities and Maintenance Management in the commercial and retail industry. He even went back to school in 2004 and received a HVAC degree from Hinds Community College.

As important as his career was to Lance, his world became brighter when he married Michelle Mitchell on September 9, 1995. Michelle was his heart and the love of his life, and together they built a beautiful life. The Lord was always at the center of their marriage, and He blessed them with so much love and laughter. Lance loved surprising Michelle and would often knock out a home renovation project if she was out of town for a few days. He found joy in seeing her smile. Michelle and Lance enjoyed spending time with their friends and extended family, but their children Philip, Anna, and Seth were his pride and joy. He never missed an activity they had and was always willing to help. He coached t-ball, baseball, volunteered with 4-H shooting sports, livestock shows, and countless other events and activities. Lance had a smile that was contagious, and you will not find a person that knew him that didn’t love him. He was a friend to so many and was always the first to show up to help someone in need. Lance was a selfless servant, truly the hands and feet of Jesus. He served as a deacon at First Baptist Church Terry and was a lifelong member there. Lance was a talented musician playing the piano, guitar, banjo, and even the ukulele. He liked to do anything outdoors…hunting, working in the yard, working with his cows, and especially burning woodpiles and debris!

He enjoyed an occasional round of golf with a friend or with his sons. Lance could paint, build, and fix anything. His talent was endless, and he used his talents and abilities to help others, but rarely allowed anyone to help him. Lance enjoyed teaching Philip, Anna, and Seth about the cattle they raised and taught them everything they needed to know as they participated in 4-H livestock shows. He knew livestock and loved helping 4-H kids learn about livestock. Even after his own children were no longer showing their animals, you would find Lance at the barns helping and mentoring others. He was a great teacher and role model. Lance was a member of the Mississippi Cattleman’s Association, was actively involved in the Hinds County Cattleman’s Association, and was serving as the president of the Hinds County Livestock Association.

There is so much you could say about Lance Ball. But the most important words were uttered by his Savior on March 19, 2025 when he entered his Heavenly home…“Well done, thy good and faithful servant.”

The family requests any donations be sent to First Baptist Church Terry or the Hinds County Livestock Association (for the 4-H program).