R.L. “Pete” Ball, 87, passed away on Tuesday, July 10, 2012.

He was born Jan. 6, 1925 at Hydro to Eunice Walden Ball and Ed Ball. He moved to Oakdale, CA in 1942 and lived out his life there.

He loved listening to sports on radio, especially baseball; radio also afforded him an opportunity to worship the Lord. Pete came to the Lord through Billy Graham’s radio ministry. He also enjoyed and made many friends and acquaintances through CB ‘ham’ radio, and kept abreast of local happenings with a police scanner radio.

Mr. Ball was a wonderful son, brother, and uncle; he was so many things to so many people. Being blind due to a childhood accident never kept him from being helpful and caring, through the years his home was always open to anybody needing it, whether for a day or for years.

Survivors include his nieces, Rita Crawford of Modesto, Lana Sanford of Columbus MT, Barenda VanDyke of Riverbank and Beverly Howard of Waterford; three nephews, Edward Ball of Placerville, Douglas Ball of Modesto and Phillip Ball of Salida.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ed and Eunice Ball; one sister, Jacqualine Smith; three brothers, Bryson, Forrest, and F.J. Ball; two nieces, Sandra Ball and Sharon Smith.

Graveside services will be Friday, July 20 at 10 a.m. at Oaklawn Memorial Park.