Frank Bailey Ball's Obituary
Frank Bailey Ball - our beloved father, brother, uncle, dog dad, and dear friend to countless - unexpectedly departed this world on October 27th, 2022 at the age of 62, in Tallahassee, Florida.
Frank was born in 1960 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to Joe Lloyd Ball and Gussie Ava Wrenn. His childhood was filled with adventure and shenanigans of all forms. His mother instilled in him a great love of nature, which he fully embraced and appreciated his entire life. From his father, he learned not only the responsibility of being dependable, thorough and a level thinker, but also how to have an incredible sense of humor. He graduated from the University of Alabama in December of 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Business Administration.
In 1995, Frank joined Hill’s Pet Nutrition as a Territory Manager. In this role, he was responsible for calling on a large territory of veterinary clinics and helping the healthcare teams provide care to the pets that so many of us consider to be members of our families. During his time with Hill’s, Frank developed numerous friendships, not only with his coworkers but with the veterinary staff he called upon. He was praised for his dedication and for consistently going far above and beyond the call of duty. After almost 26 years of service, he retired in October 2021 while maintaining close friendships with everyone he connected with for the remainder of his time with us.
Frank was passionate about all things silly, wacky and unusual. He adored art, music, animals especially dogs, reading, travel, nature, motorcycles, snacks and a myriad of other things. The current love of his life was his KTM motorcycle, and taking it on long rides was his therapy. As a Tuscaloosa native and a University of Alabama alumni, you could count on him to never miss an Alabama football game. Halloween was one of his favorite holidays, and for many years he would go all out on decorating. Frank was often referred to as “one of the kids” and was constantly on the lookout for new adventures, which he welcomed and encouraged anyone to join him on. He was truly the embodiment of living one's life to the fullest.
While Frank had limitless hobbies, it seems that a tremendous portion of his personality can be summed up in his excitement and passion for helping others. He spent many summers traveling to Guatemala where he was humbled and honored to help build homes for several families there. While there, he also made a point to support local artists and businesses. Recently, he had also begun volunteering locally at Second Harvest, an organization which helps to distribute food and supplies to people that are struggling. He continually helped the people in his life, from family, to close friends, to near strangers, to complete strangers, almost always completely unprompted. His level of consideration, selflessness, love and dedication is unparalleled and impossible to summarize.
Frank was preceded in death by both of his parents, his brother-in-law Bill Cave, as well as his son, Frank William. He is survived by his former partner, Sharon Heintzelman, his daughter Amanda Brianne, his son-in-law Brandon Jones, his dog Ellie, his brother Joe Ball, his sister-in-law Julie, his sister Susan Cave, his brother-in-law Hugh, his nephews and niece Steven, Will and Lindsay. He is also survived by countless friends including Nancy, Levert, Lauren, Steve and Brenda, Karen and Joe, Kevin, Kyle, Reid, Bobby, Garrett, Bradley, Brendon, Jake and so so many more.
A Celebration of Life will be held at The Space at Feather Oaks on Sunday November 20th from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Everyone whose life was touched by Frank is welcomed to join us in sharing fond memories and stories. The family encourages attendees to wear whatever they feel comfortable in, from suits and ties, to flip flops, to silly costumes.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to the Humane Society, Soldier’s Best Friend, or your favorite animal adjacent charity. We also plan to work with Porch de Salomon in Guatemala to set up a sponsorship foundation. The scholarship will assist at least one individual per year to travel to Guatemala in order to help carry on Frank’s dedication and love for helping the people of the community there.
What’s your fondest memory of Frank?
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Share a story where Frank's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Frank you’ll never forget.
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