Sunrise Sunset
September 22, 1961 | June 9, 2025
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 | 11:00 A.M.
Light of the World Christian Tabernacle International 5883 GA-155 N, Stockbridge, GA 30281
Pastor Oshebar Hardman, Senior Paster
Leading Lady Ebonie Hardman
Dr. Ruth W. Smith, Co-Founder
Archbishop Ruth W Smith, Presiding Light of the World
Prelude Light of the World Praise Team
Processional Ministers and Family
Ministry in Song LOTW Male Chorus
Scripture
Old Testament
Elder Darryl & Deaconess Diane Irvin
New Testament Elder Harriet & Deacon Glen Gordon
Prayer Deacon Jerry & Deaconess Nettie Baker
Ministry in Song Zaviel Janae
Reflections (2 Minutes Please)
Coach Kenneth Miller & Coach Steve Barrett
Ms. Eulonda Washington - Principal CSKYWLA
Bishop Stephen and Ann Butterfield
Family and/or Friends
Loving Children-Sunshine, Chaz and Cam
Obituary (Read Silently)
Eulogy Pastor Sherard Graham
New Life Church of God in Christ
Call to Salvation Pastor Oshebar and First Lady Ebonie Hardman
Acknowledgements Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home, Inc.
Recessional
Postlude Light of the World Praise Team
Charles G. Ball’s story began in Montgomery, AL on September 22, 1961. Named in honor of his grandfathers, he was the youngest child of Earl A. Ball, Sr. and Marjorie Smith Ball, born at St. Jude Catholic Hospital. A man of faith, his early years were shaped by a strong spiritual foundation, and he spent his time as a child active in the Catholic church.
From an early age, Charles had a deep passion for sports. His athleticism became a central part of his life and that love grew stronger over the years. By the time he attended George Washington Carver High School, he became a standout athlete as a member of the track and field, baseball and basketball teams. He graduated from Carver High School in 1979, and his perfect form and jump shot earned him his beloved nickname, “Iceman.” Charles continued his education at Tuskegee Institute where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1985 and met his college sweetheart, Corinthia “Peaches” Baker Ball. The two married on May 3, 1986 and later had three children.
While his roots were planted in Alabama, his branches grew throughout Atlanta, where he began planting the seeds of his legacy as an educator and mentor. His deep love for the youth and an even deeper love to guide them led him to become a staple in the Atlanta Public School system. From educator to athletic director, his career spanned over 34 years starting at Scott Elementary before his journey took him through the halls of West Fulton Middle School, Benjamin S. Carson Preparatory Academy, Turner Middle School, and Coretta Scott King Young Women's Leadership Academy. Students instantly became drawn to his authenticity, wit, and fun nature. They remained in touch with him even into adulthood, always reminding him how much he meant to their growth.
Beyond the classroom, Charles lived up to his love for sports and earned the name “Coach Ball” on the field, the court, and the track, bringing out the best in his athletes. He coached basketball, football, and track, and led athletic programs at schools and recreational teams such as Welcome All Park and the Georgia Rattlers. However, off the field, one of his greatest passions was cooking. He started his own culinary venture –Ball’s Barbecue – and also served as a chef for a well-known restaurant on the southside of Atlanta, Wings and a Prayer. His meals gathered loved ones with laughter and storytelling, always creating a sense of home. He desired to continue living out this passion for cooking post-retirement. His other greatest joy was demonstrating his unwavering faith as a dedicated member of Light of the World Church in Stockbridge, GA, where he was a deacon and lent his voice in the male choir.
Charles is preceded in death by his parents, beloved brother, Earl A. Ball, Jr., mother and father-in love, Sherman Baker and Emma Baker Jones, and sister-in-love Trena Baker. He leaves behind his devoted wife; his sister, Yolanda Ball-Graham; one daughter, Chanirika “Sunshine” Davidson and son-in-love Robert Davidson; two sons, Charles “Chaz” Ball, II and Cameron Ball; and two granddaughters, Kennedi and Kassidi Davidson. He also leaves behind a sister-in-love Beverly Ball, brothers-in-love Ricky (Terry) Baker, Sr., Sherman Bernard Baker, Michael (Carla) Baker), Titus (Simone) Baker, Xavier Cade, a host of nieces and nephews, cherished students and athletes, church family, and countless friends who were touched by his presence and spirit.
Charles’ life is a story of service, purpose, and legacy. His aura lifted the mood of every room he walked in and brought endless light into the lives he touched. He will be remembered as a pillar of strength, boldness, and courage and of course for his jokes that were always timed perfectly. May his soul rest in everlasting peace.
From the moment we met in college, something in my heart knew our souls had found each other. What began as a young love grew into a lifelong bond that carried us through 44 unforgettable years. You weren’t just my husband you were the love of my life, my best friend, my confidant, my partner in everything. You were my world. It’s hard to put into words the depth of the sorrow I feel, knowing I have to say goodbye to you in this way.
Together, we built a beautiful life one filled with laughter, devotion, three incredible children, two grand baby girls, and a son-in-love, who carry pieces of you in their hearts. You were the steady center of our family, the one who brought light into every room and joy into every ordinary day. You were the embodiment of romance, the spark, and the dreamer. The one who looked at me like I was magic even on the days I felt anything but. Your love was deep, generous, and unwavering. I will always be your Peaches, and you will always be my Ice, the life of my love.
There are no words to fill the space your absence has left, but I carry you with me in every breath, every memory, every beat of my heart. You understood me like no one else ever could. You gave me everything, and now, I will carry forward your love, your light, and the extraordinary life we shared. Thank you, my love. For every moment, every smile, every late-night conversation, and every quiet morning. I miss you more than words can say, but I know you are still with me in my heart, and in all the ways that matter most.
Forever yours,
YourPeaches
From the very beginning, I was his Sunshine a name he gave me that became more than just a nickname. It became a bond, a light between us that never dimmed, even on the hardest days.
My daddy was my biggest supporter, my safe place, and my guide. He poured so much love into me, teaching me not just how to face the world, but how to walk through it with strength, grace, and compassion. We confided in each other, shared our dreams, our fears, and our everyday moments. He gave me the kind of love that made me feel like I could do anything and because of him, I believed I could.
Even in his final days, his love for me never wavered. He’d look at me and say, “What would I do without my Sunshine?” And all I could think was, what will I do without him? He told me often how proud he was of the woman I’ve become, how much he admired me as a wife and mother. But what he may not have realized was that *he* was the reason I could be all of those things. He was the blueprint.
I’ll never forget the way he hugged me tightly and said, “I wish I could stay here forever. I don’t want to let you go.” I didn’t want to let go either, Daddy. I still don’t.
Being your daughter was one of the greatest honors of my life. You loved me so deeply, and I will carry that love with me always. I was, and always will be, your Sunshine.
Dear Daddy,
It still doesn’t feel real that you’re gone. There are so many things I wish I could say face-to-face, but I’m writing this letter in hopes that somehow, somewhere, you’ll feel these words.
First, thank you. Thank you for being my father… my namesake. I carry your name with pride, and every time someone tells me we look just alike, I take it as the highest compliment. You were strong, dependable, and real. Even though we didn’t always see eye to eye or share the same interests, you never let that be a barrier between us. You made the effort, even when it wasn’t your thing, to be present in mine. That meant more than you will ever know.
One of the things I’ll miss most are our morning conversations. That daily ritual of starting the day with you talking, laughing, sometimes sitting in silence, built a connection I’ll hold onto forever. Those mornings reminded me that no matter how different we were, we were always deeply connected. That time meant everything to me.
I know you were proud of me. I may not have heard it every day, but I saw it in your eyes, felt it in your presence, and heard it in your voice. And now that you’re gone, I know it’s my time to step up. You led this family with strength and quiet courage, and now it’s my turn to carry that torch. It won’t be easy, but I’ll do it one day at a time, with heart, with humility, and with
I’ll miss you more than words can say, Daddy. But I’ll keep our conversations alive in my heart, and I’ll keep your spirit with me every morning as I face the day.
It’s hard to even find the words right now, but I know you’re listening, just like you always did. From the moment I could walk, I followed your lead on the field, in the kitchen, and in life. You were more than my dad… you were my coach, my role model, my business partner, and my best friend.
We had our own language football talk, grill talk, life talk and I’ll forever cherish those moments we spent side by side, from the sidelines to the smoker. Some of our best conversations happened while flipping ribs or watching game film, and I’d give anything for just one more of those days.
You always called me Big Dawg too, and I wore that name like a badge of honor, because it came from you. I could feel how proud you were of me not just for what I’ve done on the field, but for the man I’m becoming. You saw that growth in me, and hearing you say it meant everything. I know how much you believed in me, how excited you were for my future… especially for that moment we dreamed of when I’d make it to the NFL and you'd be right there cheering in the stands.
Even though you won’t be there in body, I know you’ll be with me every step of the way. And when I take the field, I’ll take you with me. When I light that grill, I’ll do it the way you taught me. And when I reopen Ball’s Barbecue, it won’t just be for the customers it’ll be for you. I’ll make sure your name lives on through every play I run and every plate I serve.
You gave me the tools. You gave me the vision. You gave me the love. And now I’ll carry it all forward.
Rest easy, Big Dawg. I got it from here.
Love always,
Cam Your Little Big Dawg
We miss you so much already. It’s hard to believe you’re not here to make us laugh or give us your big hugs. You always made us feel so special and loved, no matter what.
We’ll always remember how funny you were, how you called us your girls, and how you lit up the room just by being in it. Thank you for being the best Big Daddy in the world.
We love you forever and ever, YourGirls
Lincoln Memorial Cemetery
2275 Joseph E. Boone Blvd. N.W.
Family and Friends
CSK Family
For every hug, each kind embrace, For showing your lovely face. For gifts you gave and food you brought, For every prayer and caring thought. For hands that helped and hearts that shared, For every moment that you cared. Your love and comfort saw us through We’re grateful, truly, all thanks to you.
The Ball Family
Event Planning & Coordination
Sincerely
