Final Salute

Wayne Allen Ball, 76, passed away on October 2, 2024, at CHI St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
He was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas on April 11, 1948 to John and Nettie Ruth Ball. Growing up he spent much of his time on Lake Ouachita at Brady Mountain. He also enjoyed camping at different islands, racing boats at Twin Creek, and working with his grandfather. He graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1966 before enlisting in the Navy.
In 1967, Wayne enlisted in the military and his knowledge of construction was quickly noticed, ultimately leading him to the United States Naval Construction Battalions, which many know as the Seabees.
His four years of Active Duty service included two tours in Vietnam. His first tour was spent with the Mobile Construction Battalion 74, who deployed close to the DMZ supporting the 9th Marines. After returning back to the states, Wayne volunteered for a twelve man team (SeaBee Team 7403), that would eventually lead him to his second tour, supporting the Provincial Government of Chou Duc, close to the Cambodian border.
During the final eighteen months of Wayne’s military service, he served as an Instructor of Concrete Construction Procedures at Naval Base Gulfport, Mississippi. He remained in Gulfport for two years after his service ended to aid in reconstruction of Gulfport after Hurricane Camille.
Wayne was recognized for his commitment and perseverance in everything he undertook. He enjoyed fishing and boating with his family and friends. Most of all, he enjoyed spending every waking moment on Lake Ouachita.
Wayne is preceded in death by his grandparents, John (Lucille) Hammond; his parents, John and Nettie Ruth Ball; his aunt, Norma (Don) Joyce; and his uncles, Byron Avery and Harry Hammond.
Wayne is survived by his beloved and cherished wife, Helen Ball; his daughter, Julie (Jeff) Patrick; his brother, David Ball; his niece, Jessica (April) Ball; his nephew, Tony (Amara) Joyce; and his grandchildren, Daniel (Allison) Patrick and Jane Patrick. He was a source of strength and wisdom for his family, and his legacy will live on through them.
Wayne Allen Ball’s steadfast love and commitment as a husband, father, and grandfather will be remembered by his family. While he is no longer with us, his spirit will remain in the hearts of his loved ones, serving as a reminder of the treasured moments and valuable lessons shared throughout his life.
A celebration of life, “Tequila Thursday,” will be held on October 10, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. at the Caruth-Hale Life Celebration Center on Airport Road.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Wayne, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.