Ronald Marion Ball

Ronald Marion Ball age 79 of Pine Knot, Kentucky passed from this life on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at the VA Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky. 

Ronald was born on October 15, 1946 in Oneida, Tennessee to the late Oscar Marion Ball and Verda (Manning) Ball. 

Ronald had been a Veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Vietnam Era. As a Veteran, he was a member of the American Legion Post 115 in Stearns as well as the National Rifle Association. Ronald had also been an active member of the McCreary County Farm Bureau and had attended the Christ Church Episcopal in Rugby, Tennessee.  In addition to his service to our country, Ronald was also a devoted educator. He had earned a master's degree in education and had been a professor for Cumberland College. Though Mr. Ball never had children of his own, he still found a way to be a light and leader to many. The following is a letter written, June 11, 1971 from Captain, Richard King, from the Headquarters 8th infantry division of the U.S. Army:

"To Whom It May Concern, during the period from May 1969 to August 1970, the undersigned served as commander of the Bad Kreuznach Military Police Station. For the great part of this period, SP4 Ronald M. Ball, was assigned duties as chief clerk at the station. SP4 Ball consistently demonstrated intelligence, dependability, and devotion to duty. He was eager to learn and extremely conscientious in the discharge of all assigned missions. He, in other words, was a good solider and a trusted and productive member of the staff of the Bad Kreuznach Military Police Station. The qualities demonstrated by SP4 Ball in the military are such that he should have no difficulty adjusting to any position of responsibility as a member of a civilian firm or organization".

Ronald is survived by extended family, including a cousin, Larry Manning of Burnside, Kentucky. 

In keeping of his wishes, Ronald will be cremated. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 2:00 pm at the Bethel Cemetery.

Pine Knot Funeral Home is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.