Smithfield – Adrian Jerome Ball Jr. "A.J." age, 80, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, in the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield. He was born on October 11, 1942, to the late Adrian Jerome Ball Sr. and Eva Pearl Jackson in Vance County. He is preceded in death by his wife of forty-eight years, Mrs. Mary Newman Ball and his brother Allen Ball. A.J. was a long-time member and a deacon at First Baptist Church of Smithfield and he greatly enjoyed volunteering at church functions and ministries as well as singing in the church choir. He was the owner and manager of Sears in Smithfield for many years. A.J. enjoyed being outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also loved playing his self-playing piano with the grandkids. He was a loving father of three children and grandad to eight grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 12, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in Riverside Cemetery Extension in Smithfield. The family will receive friends from 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. in First Baptist Church in Smithfield.

He is survived by his children; Jerry Ball (Michelle) of Smithfield, Brian Ball (Jessica) of Southern Pines, Kristie Ball Strickland of Smithfield; brothers, Kenny Ball (Rita) of Henderson, Gary Ball (Laura) of Elon, Randy Ball (Vicki) of Henderson, David Ball of Maryville, TN; grandchildren, Sydney Ball Holmes (Michael), Ashley Ball, Christina Ball, Eddie Ball, Aidan Strickland, Riley Strickland, Lydia Ball and Elliot Ball, special, long term friend, Jean Tyner, as well as many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to the SECU Hospice House of Smithfield at 520 Hospital Road, Smithfield, NC, 27577.