220 Viva Drive, Trumann, AR 72472
In Loving Memory

Phillip Russell Ball

Phillip Russell Ball

Phillip Russell Ball

April 25, 1944 - August 2, 2026

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Obituary

Phillip Russell Ball died on August 2, 2026, at the age of 82, surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 5 at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Trumann with visitation at 6 p.m. Burial will be on Thursday, August 6 at 10 a.m. at Macey Cemetery in Monette. He was born on April 25, 1944, at the family farm just north of Monette, Arkansas, to Henry and Amanda Harrell Ball. Like many children of his generation, he contracted polio as a young boy and spent months at Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock. The experience shaped him but never defined him. He was known for his quick wit, determination and work ethic. He graduated from Monette High School in 1962. After graduation, Phil returned to farming in Poinsett County, west of Harrisburg. On New Year’s Eve 1968, he met his future wife, Lenette. She liked to joke that she found him “arrogant” at first, but Phil was persistent, and they were married the following June at Calvary Baptist Church in Harrisburg. Their first son, Jason, was born the following year. In 1972, they moved to Trumann, where they joined First Baptist Church. Their second son, Matthew, completed the family in 1974. After years in farming and construction, Phil found his true calling when he opened Phil Ball Heating and Air Conditioning. He could fix just about anything, and he built his business on honesty, hard work, and treating customers right. Before long, he had probably worked in most homes in Trumann. When an air conditioner quit or an appliance broke down, the advice around town was often the same: “Call Phil Ball. He can fix it.” Outside of work, Phil was a longtime usher at First Baptist Church in Trumann, where he welcomed everyone on Sunday mornings with a smile, a handshake, and often a friendly joke. He was also a proud member of the Masonic Lodge for 60 years, where he treasured the fellowship and lifelong friendships of his fellow Masons. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Edward Ball; and his sister, Nancy Bowman. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Lenette Ball; his sons, Jason Ball and husband, Troy Jones, of Palm Springs, California, and Matt E. Ball of Jonesboro; his sister, Linda Stotts of Jonesboro; six nephews; and one niece. The family would like to thank the Trumann Fire Department and first responders for their compassion and professionalism. They are also deeply grateful to the doctors, nurses, and staff of NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital, whose skill, kindness, and compassionate care brought comfort to Phil and his family during his final days. Online guest book can be signed at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net.

Service Details

Public Visitation

August 5, 2026

06:00 PM - 07:00 PM

First Baptist Church
Trumann, AR

Funeral Service

August 5, 2026

07:00 PM

First Baptist Church
Trumann, AR

Guest Book

"Dear Jason, I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I know he was a great man to have a wonderful son like you! Much love and many prayers to you and your family.

Susan Carr-McGruder, Marion, AR

August 12, 2026

"Dear Jason and Family, I am truly sorry about the loss of your dear father. He was greatly loved and respected in our home town, and in our church. Lenette, I remember you well. You are also loved, respected in Trumann and our church. I believe that you and your entire family are so highly thought of in my hometown. That doesn’t help you, I know that. But you and your family are thought of now. Sincerely, Beth and Donald Presley

Beth Presley, Little Rock, Arkansas 72212

August 6, 2026

"Praying for the family!

Richardson Family, Lenora, Kenneth, Dewain, Tony & Tara, Trumann AR

August 5, 2026

"He was a very good Brother in Masonry!

William Bond, Trumann, AR

August 5, 2026

"So sorry for your loss. God bless you all.

Hester Hogan, Trumann, Arkansas

August 5, 2026

"Ms Ball, I once timed lived in Trumann on Christy St. I lived along. I had air condition problems and it was hot summer. I called Mr. Ball he and one of his sons worked all day getting my air condition going I didn't have any money. I can't remember the exact amount that Mr. Ball charged. He was so kind to me. I told him where I worked. I only got paid every two weeks and I couldn't start paying him for his service for another week. He was so kind to me. He said I understand. It's quite a bit of money. He said that's fine that I could pay it out every two weeks. I'll never forget that and I did. I kept my word and until I got him paid, but I'll never forget his kindness to me because I didn't know what I was gonna do. I saw him at a visitation for someone. I think it was a visitation several years ago and I went over and introduced myself and I told him I remembered what he did for me when I lived in Truman and how grateful I was for what he did for me. He was a wonderful man. I'll never forget him. The ball families are so blessed to have had him in their life. I also worked with Peggy Owens wright, who went to school with him. She told me funny stories of his Volkswagen and have many people he could pile in that little thing. Prayers for all of you

Annette Chatman Hurst, Jonesboro

August 5, 2026

"Cousin Phil was always the life of the party at our family reunions. Pulled a prank or was just his mischievous self, always had us laughing. He will forever be missed

Lesia Johnson Ford, West Memphis

August 5, 2026

"Many years of great memories . One of my close friends from Trumann.

Ed Raney, Southlake, Texas.

August 4, 2026

"I have known Phil for a long time, and he was a wonderful friend. He will be missed dearly. I will be praying for his family.

Demetreal Harp, Trumann

August 4, 2026

"Best neighbor I have ever had, I will miss you my friend.

Bobby Chaffin, Trumann Ar

August 4, 2026

"Thanks for keeping track of each of us over the many years and for getting us together. Rest in Peace

Jerry Hogan, Prairie Grove, AR 72753

August 4, 2026

"Lenette, I know you and the boys will miss Phil beyond words. I will miss him, too. Your family is in my prayers.

Gloria Bridges, Paragould, AR

August 4, 2026

"Lenette, I know you and the boys will miss Phil beyond words. I will miss him, too. Your family is in my prayers.

Gloria Bridges, Paragould, AR

August 4, 2026

"I was honored to serve on the Monette High School alumni committee with Mr. Phil for many years. He will be missed! To the family, Thinking of you during this time.

Janet Rolland, Monette

August 3, 2026

"Phil Ball, you were one great human. In my youth I remember our long conversation versions, laughs, jokes and just being friends. Later in life I enjoyed being Facebook friends. My heart hurts for your family and friends. You will be missed.

Carol Jane Wilson, Leachville and Marion

August 3, 2026

"We will miss you, Phil. You were always so friendly and entertaining. We appreciate all the work you did to plan and prepare our class reunions.

Revis and Nancy Stewart., Monette

August 3, 2026

"RIP great neighbor

Tip Shipp, Trumann Ar

August 3, 2026

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