SMSgt. Douglas Allen Ball, USAF (Ret.)

SMSgt. Douglas Allen Ball, USAF (Ret.), 91, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 20, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of service, devotion, and love. 

Douglas was born on July 22, 1933, in Kingwood, West Virginia to the late James Ball, Sr. and Valetta Miller Ball. After graduating high school, Douglas answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Navy in 1952 out of Masontown, West Virginia. Over the next seven years, he rose to the rank of Second Class Petty Officer before continuing his military career with the United States Air Force. Throughout his distinguished service from 1959 to 1979, he served in Korea, Vietnam, and Japan. It was in Japan that he met the love of his life, Yoshiko, beginning a beautiful partnership that would span decades. 

After retiring from the Air Force as a Senior Master Sergeant, Douglas brought his expertise to MCI Communications, where he worked as an electrical field engineer until his retirement in 1994. His dedication to service extended beyond his career—he was a proud lifetime member of the VFW, D.A.V., Air Force Sergeants Association, and the Non-Commissioned Officers Association. 

Beyond his professional and military accomplishments, Douglas found solace and joy in the great outdoors. An avid hunter and fisherman, he cherished time spent in nature. 

Douglas will be remembered for his unwavering patriotism, deep love for his family, and the countless lives he touched through his kindness, wisdom, and service. 

In addition to his parents, Douglas was preceded in death by loving wife, Yoshiko Furukawa Ball and siblings, James Ball, Jr., Darlene Taylor, and Norma Jefferson. 

His memory will forever be treasured by a host of loving friends. 

A memorial gathering will be Friday, March 14, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A memorial service will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home. At a later date, Douglas will be laid to rest in Glen Abbey Memorial Gardens in Auburndale, Florida.  

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of Douglas Ball to a charity of your choosing. 

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.