Jonathan Ball

Jonathan William Ball, 31, of Little Rock, passed away August 3, 2012.
Mamma Rollie said it best, ‘Jon, you really were ‘our bronco.' Mighty tough, yet tender-to-the bone, your ride was full of spirit. (Buck) wild at heart, yet were heavy on the convictions that count.
You loved your country, Christmas and a masterfully grilled piece of meat, acquired from the skill of your own bow, prepared by your own hand. Your sanctuary, where you met God face to face, was anywhere with a field, tree, stream or sky and no one ever looked more ‘at home' in camouflage. Having sent a large population of small animals into almost extinction, your reputation as a respectful (yet completely efficient) huntsman was legendary. And ‘Manster', we'll always be grateful for that inner compass of yours. It led you in and through and around the woods, but it also directed you back home, with the occasional detour to find a lost hunter.
You stood strong and tall, and yet were an affectionate son, brother, uncle and friend with a smile that even the most genteel of Southern charmers was envious of. Ever the protector, you could cut a rug on the dance floor and put any elephant's memory to shame. You were thoughtful, resourceful, intuitive. Without fail, you always knew when deer season came around; you were MEANT to be in the woods, hunting for some groceries. Like countless great, passionate men, you were a rough rider, hard on yourself, yet easy to offer us all that contagious (albeit mischievous) gleam in your eye.
JonnyBoyBearBall, your lovable face will forever be missed by your mother, Jan and stepfather, Paul, father, Bill, Grandma Ball and stepmother, Kristy, brother,Tyler and sister, Olivia, your sisters, Joy and Jessica, her husband, Grayson and nieces, Emilee, Victoria and nephew, Trey, your brother, Josh, his wife, Adrian and their daughter,Lizzie, your beloved dog Daisy, as well as a huge heap of loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
In lieu of flowers, we're sure you'd ask all the lady folk to give their men a free pass to the woods. You'd want your friends and family to throw some thick piece o' red meat on the grill, for every Arkansan to root for the Hogs (regardless of the head coach, and good golly you'd want us all to stand for something great. No doubt, you're in Paradise, in your new and perfect body. "He has wiped every tear from your eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."
We'll celebrate the man we'll always miss at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Court (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.) on Tuesday, August 7th from 6-8 p.m. A service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, August 8th at 11 a.m. The burial will follow at Ida Mission Cemetery, 18901 Colonel Glenn Rd. Jon's family would be honored if you made a donation to the Jon Ball Wildlife Biology Scholarship Fund, c/o Delta Trust, 16600 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72223 to help others carry out his dream.
Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200. Jon's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.