Reverend Clarence Eugene “Gene” Ball, 79, of Roderfield, passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at Welch Community Hospital. Born June 19, 1940 in Coalwood he was the son of the late Clarecy Bell Smith Ball and William Ball.

   In addition to his parents Gene is preceded in death by one daughter, Jeannie Ball and one brother, Roger Ball.

   Rev. Ball was a former employee of the McDowell County Commission for over 30 years as a heavy equipment operator. A true man of God, he was the Pastor of the Ark of Safety Church in Roderfield since 1992. He was also a former gas driller and former employee of Massey Coal Company.

   Gene is survived by his wife Deloris “Dee” Marie Lambert Ball; one daughter, Vicki Velie and husband Stephen of Melbourne, FL; two brothers, Billy Ball and wife Sue of Gary and James “Buddy” Ball and wife Sue of Jellico, TN; a special niece, Caitlyn Ball of Roderfield; two grandsons, Stephen R. Velie of Palm Bay, FL and David Velie of Knoxville, TN; three great grandchildren, Morgan, Nevaeh, and Annabelle Velie; and his church family.

   Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, February 2, 2020 at 1 PM from the Ark of Safety Church in Roderfield with Reverend Danny Blackburn, officiating. Burial will follow in the Don Reed Cemetery in Shabby Run.

   Friends may call the church Saturday evening from 6 to 9 PM.

   Pallbearers will be Stephen J. Velie, David Velie, Stephen R. Velie, Christian Trent, Bo Lambert and Tommy Lambert, Jr.

   The Douglas Mortuary in Welch is serving the Ball family. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.douglasmortuary.com