Cecil A. Ball, 84, of Punta Gorda, Fla., passed away peacefully Sunday, May 27, 2012, at Tidewell Hospice in Port Charlotte, Fla., after a 15-month battle with Leukemia.

He was born Aug. 4, 1927, in Greeneville, Tenn., to Clarence Ball and Carrie Jeffers, and moved to Port Charlotte 43 years ago.

Cecil was a graduate of Doak High School in Tusculum, Tenn. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II as part of the Occupational Forces in Akita, Japan. Upon his return, Cecil received his Bachelor’s Degree from East Tennessee State University, and his Master’s Degree from the University of Mississippi in Education and Administration. During his 45 years in education, he influenced the lives of many students through teaching in both Tennessee and Florida, and later as Principal of Peace River Elementary School for 15 years. Cecil’s last assignment was Director of Health, PE and Guidance, where he served until his retirement in 1990.

He lived a life that honored God by his character and integrity. Cecil was always willing to help and be there for everyone, his love showed no boundaries, and the joy of the Lord showed in his strength and positive attitude as he faced some of life’s trials. His eternal spark was a true inspiration to those around him, because he loved life and always saw the good in people, and saw each of life’s situations as a way to serve others. Family was the most important thing in Cecil’s life, and he leaves a legacy in all of the lives he touched.

He will be missed by the wife he cherished for 59 years, Charlene Hayes Ball; daughter, Becky McLaughlin of North Port, Fla.; son, Joe (Tammy) Ball of Kingsport, Tenn.; youngest daughter, Celene (Stephen) Kipfinger of Port Charlotte; sisters, Geneva (Albert) Foshie and Nina (Ervin) Shelton; brother, Homer (Phyllis) Ball; grandson, Ben (Emily) Ball; granddaughters, Danielle Ball, and Samantha, Rachel and Jenna Kipfinger; lifelong best buddy, Bill Reynolds of Greeneville; and a host of relatives and friends. Called to heaven before Cecil’s death were his brother, J.C. Ball; sister, Loretta Dunn; and parents, Clarence Ball and Carrie Jeffers.

A very heartfelt thanks from the family goes to the special girls in the ACC Transfusion Unit and ACC Registration Office at Charlotte Regional Medical Center in Punta Gorda, who showed the caring hands of God to Cecil on his many visits. Special thanks go to Dr. Ivor Percent and the staff of Florida Cancer Specialists for their outstanding care and for being such a blessing. We are also very grateful to the caregivers at Tidewell Hospice for making Cecil’s last days meaningful and memorable.

A memorial service to celebrate Cecil’s life will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, June 16, 2012, at Port Charlotte United Methodist Church. Through their words, the Rev. Brian James of PCUMC and the Rev. Ron Tipton of Murdock Baptist Church will honor his life. Military honors will be by a U.S. Army Honor Guard. Clay Conway, a dear friend, will play some of Cecil’s favorite hymns. Cecil’s ashes will be spread at his request in the beautiful mountains of East Tennessee, near Sam’s Gap. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to two of Cecil’s favorite charities, Florida United Methodist Children’s Home, 51 Children’s Way, Enterprise, FL 32725; or Holston United Methodist Home for Children, P.O. Box 188, Greeneville, TN 37744. Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to sign the memory book and extend condolences to the family.

Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home and Crematory, Port Charlotte Chapel.