John Bohlin Ball

John Bohlin Ball, born December 15, 1956 in Jersey City, NJ, was a man who possessed a sly wit and a heart big enough to match it. John was a funny man, a jokester who walked to the beat of a different drum, always ready to lighten the mood with his infectious laughter and good humor. He was a loving husband, father, and son, dedicated in his relationships with an unwavering devotion that was felt by all who knew him. A Jersey boy at heart, John made Vilonia, Arkansas his home, filling it with memories of love, laughter, and the countless lives he touched.

John's professional life was as a Collision Repair Technician in the Auto Body Repair industry, where his dedication and meticulous nature were on full display. But his true passion was found outside of work, in the thrills of disc golf, scuba diving, and sky diving, or in the strategy of a good pool game. He was thoughtful in his hobbies, often seen contemplating his next move or dive, always eager to learn and improve. John was also a man of faith, a proud member of the Beryl Baptist Church. He attended seminary and worked in the prison ministry, demonstrating his love for the Lord and his desire to serve others. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well." John embodied this sentiment in every aspect of his life.

What mattered most to John was his family. He was the beloved husband of Celia Ball, whom he married on August 31, 1996. He is survived by his wife, father, Jerry Ball of Benton, Children: Melissa Elmore (Marvin) of Hensley, Jeremiah Ball of Glen Rose, Seth Ball (Erica) of Vilonia, James Ball (Breanna) of Vilonia, grandchildren, Brandon Hargis, Cherish Hargis, Chevy Ball, Elijah Ball, Emberly Ball, Easton Ball, Gracelyn Ball, brothers: Robert Ball (Rhonda) of Alexander, David Ball (Kay) of Alexander, Richie Bohlin (Debbie), Raymond Bohlin (Tina), Roger Bohlin (Sue) all of Illinois.
He was the loving son of Corliss Ball and the late Gloria Ball. He is also preceded in death by his uncle John Bohlin.
His family was truly the light of his life, and they were what made his world go around. His graveside service will be held on Tuesday, 13 Oct 2026 at 10:00am at the Beryl Cemetery, 846 Main Street, Vilonia, Arkansas, 72173.

John Bohlin Ball will be remembered as a man who lived his life with humor, compassion, and dedication, a beacon of light in the lives of those he loved. In his memory, we invite you to share your fond memories and photos of John on his memorial page as we celebrate the life of this remarkable man.