Charlie Lawrence Ball

Charles Lawrence "Charlie" Ball, 89, of Powhatan, passed away September 17, 2017. Though he had been in ill health for several years before his passing, his trademark flippant personality diminished very little. Even while incapacitated, his favorite response to "how are you doing?" was a sarcastic chuckle an eye roll and "I'm breathing ain't I. Charlie will forever be remembered for his big no non-sense personality, his adoration for St. Pauli's Girl beer, a snort of Wild Turkey during the holidays, the US Navy (before it got soft), reading the paper, tooth picks (flat, not round), Lonesome Dove, off-color jokes and shit-kicking country music. He had an uncanny knack for assigning nicknames that came out with glue on both sides - they always stuck. Charlie was fluent in English and profanity, often lapsing fluidly between the two with little awareness or concern for his audience. Charlie was proud of his military career. He capably served for over twenty years in the US Navy in the fire control room of several submarines before retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. He was a veteran of the Korean War and enjoyed telling others about his many flirtations with the Russians subs during patrol. Charlie was of an era that produced honorable, if not emotional men. He was rough and tough on the outside but never failed as a provider to his family or to those in need. He raised his children and countless stray animals with unconditional love. In the last years of his life, Charlie was provided tireless, loving care by his wife of twenty-three years, Joan "Tiger" Ball. He will be remembered fondly by his children and grandchildren as a model of generosity, humor and integrity. They will all be wishing this cowboy peace as he rides off into the sunset. The Ball family is eternally grateful to Charlie's hospice team with At Home Care for their support. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Richmond Animal League. A funeral service will be held Thursday at 3 p.m. in the Virginia Veterans Cemetery, Amelia, 10300 Pridesville Rd. Amelia, Va. 23002. Online condolences may be made at bennettbardenfh.com