Mr. William Roy “Bill” Ball, aged 92, passed away peacefully at the Lower Cape Fear Angel House in Whiteville, North Carolina on November 23, 2025. He was born on November 19, 1933, in his parents’ home in Onslow County, to Roy Ball and Lola Futrell Ball. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his 3 siblings, his brother, Raymond Ball, his two sisters, Edna Jordan and Shirley Miller.

Raised in Burgaw, NC, Bill graduated from Burgaw High School in 1952. After graduation, he was drafted into the U. S. Army and was stationed in Germany, where he was a Morse Code Operator. Following his honorable discharge from active duty, he pursued his education by graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree from NC State University in Forestry and a Master’s Degree from East Carolina University. He continued his military career in the Army Reserves, retiring with more than 20 years of service. In 1990, Bill was called back into active duty during Operation Desert Storm, serving as an instructor for Atomic, Biological, and Chemical warfare.

Bill established the first Forestry program at Wayne Community College and taught Forestry. After a successful tenure, he accepted the Dean of Occupational Education position at Southeastern Community College which he held for several years before returning to his love of teaching in Forestry until he eventually retired. Known for his outdoorsman nature, he enjoyed hiking, rappelling, canoeing, and camping with many of his Forestry students as well as SCC faculty members.

Bill was a member of the Whiteville United Methodist Church and served as president of the Methodist Men. He volunteered for the Red Cross and taught swim classes to countless adults and children throughout Columbus County. Bill was also an avid supporter of the Wildlife Action group. Affectionately known as the “Snake Man”, he visited area schools and community events teaching about North Carolina’s venomous and non-venomous snakes.

Bill deeply loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and his many students that he taught and mentored through the community college system. He also founded the Hillcrest Adventurers, a neighborhood group for young men. Bill wanted to inspire a love for the outdoors, God’s creation, and valuable life skills that the Hillcrest Adventurers would never forget.

Bill is survived by his wife of 67 years, Sue Thornton Ball; two sons, William Alton Ball (Hong) of Cary and Wendell Roy Ball (Elizabeth) of Youngsville; a daughter, Jodi Lynne Ball Council (Mark) of Surf City; grandchildren, Amy Zhang (Sawyer) of Morrisville; Creighton Ball of Emerald Isle; Rachael Ball of Youngsville; Jonathan Council (Peden) of Sugar Grove; Brett Council (Kendall) of Leland; Jason Council of Surf City and a great-granddaughter, Elowyn Council, infant daughter of Brett and Kendall. The Family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, December 5, 2025 at Peacock Funeral Home and Cremation. His Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at Peacock Funeral Home.

The care of Mr. Ball has been entrusted to Peacock Funeral Home and Cremation.