Christopher Ball

Christopher Duane Ball was born on July 31, 1976, to Floyd B. Ball and Barbara Joyce Alexander Bell in Columbus, Ohio. He was the only boy in the family. He loved his sisters, Jennifer, Jamie, Laurance “Peaches” (deceased), and Elizabeth “Penny”.

Chris was educated in the Columbus City School System. He attended Walnut Ridge High School where he ran track and wrestled. He lettered in wrestling. Chris earned his GED and later completed his training becoming a certified medical assistant.

Chris believed that Jesus Christ is the son of God. Growing up, his mother kept them involved in the church. He was in the choir and on the usher board.

In November of 2004, Chris and Erica McClain were united in holy matrimony in Columbus, Ohio. Five years later, their union was blessed when Christopher Duane Ball II was born. “Lil’ Chris” brought great joy to the family. Father and son had a special bond. “Lil’ Chris” has fond memories of his father. He recalls family outings, traveling with mom and dad, their fishing trips, racing in the car, watching Ohio State football games together and laughing about the “gas jokes”. They enjoyed his dad’s favorite food together – spicy chicken wings. “I really miss talking to my dad
every day after school.”

Another proud event in Chris’ life was completing the Medical Assistant program and the graduation ceremony at Capital University in Bexley, Ohio. He enjoyed his job at The Woodlawn Assisted Living and Memory Care Center of Columbus. He worked there for twelve years as a certified medical assistant and was promoted to supervisor.

Chris is remembered as a family man, a good provider, a jokester, the life of the pantry and a jack of all trades.

His sisters recall his protective “big brother” mentality. They describe him as strict, a no-nonsense type when it came to their well-being. His mom remembers “how proud Chris was when his sister, Jamie, was born. When he was about four years old, we were leaving the hospital and Chris was walking beside me, holding his head up so proud.  We were taking his baby sister home. He was always with Jamie. “I will always love my son. I miss him.”

Uncle Fellom writes: “What do I say about my nephew, Chris? Other than he was a fighter, for his wife and son, whom he loved so much. He protected them at all cost!  He was a real man with transparency and would do anything for you if possible not expecting anything in return. He was a humble soul. He had integrity and respect for others. During football season, we would bet whose team would win. Whoever lost would have to treat the other. I have much love for Chris and will miss my nephew.”

Chris’ little sister, Jamie remembers her big brother fondly. She says, “I remember a picture of me in a car seat sitting between Chris and Jen. He was just smiling. He had his arm around my seat. That is exactly who he was to me. That guy with his arm around me; a life-long playmate, a source for real love and a big brother, to the best of his ability. I will truly miss him. He definitely did his duty. He left a lasting impression on me.” Chris’ mom and Jamie recall how he collected candy wrappers and sea shells as a child. The purpose? He was collecting items for a time capsule he wanted to bury some day. The first time Chris traveled down south to Albany, Georgia, as a child, he was amazed to see red dirt. That also became a part of his collection.

Chris, Erica, and “Lil Chris” moved to Calera, Alabama. While there, Chris worked for C and C Construction as a laborer. The family worshipped at the Calera Baptist Church.

In 2019, they moved back to Columbus, Ohio. Chris’ health began to decline. Unable to maintain steady employment, he retired disabled. After several hospitalizations, the Lord gave him rest. Christopher Duane Ball passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Mount Carmel East Hospital, in Columbus, Ohio. He is truly missed by family and friends.

Chris is predeceased by: sisters, Katie and Laurance “Peaches” Ball; grandparents, Emma Lou Alexander and Fellom, Jr.; great-grandparents, Beatrice McCormick and Flora and Walter Ball; aunts, Dorothy Washington, Betty J. Holiday, Frances Alexander, Anna Patrice Alexander; uncles, Hamilton K. Alexander, and Sunny Boy Ball.

He is survived by his loving wife, Erica; precious son, Christopher II; parents, Barbara Williams and Floyd Ball; sisters, Jennifer Thompson, Jamie Ball, Elizabeth “Penny” Ball, Ninette Quinn, and Lolita Jordan; brothers, Donnell Overton, Joseph “Psycho” Coleman (deceased), and Tyrell Coleman; long-time friends, Calvin Atkinson and Ray Little; as well as too many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins to list in this limited space.

Final Family Reflection “Remember to live like you know Jesus is coming soon.  We don’t know the day or the hour.” Get ready and stay ready.  Auntie Donna and Uncle Michael Hawkins

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