On Friday, September 30, 1955, a handsome baby boy was born to Melba Ruth Balls and Otis Washington. They named this bundle of joy Darrell Edward Balls. In 1963, Darrell’s mother united in marriage to Frank Rosell who became a second Father to Darrell.
As a teenager, Darrell accepted Christ at an early age and attended church at Mt. Rose M.B.C. under the leadership of Rev. C.T. Smith. Darrell attended George Washington Carver Senior High School where he was a star athlete on the Varsity Football Team. He was known by many as “DB” or “Macho Man”.
After graduating in 1975, Darrell enlisted in the United States Air Force where he was able to travel and serve his country. He was responsible for transporting cargo via Air to different bases and branches, handling explosives and providing Close Air Support (CAS) for on the ground missions. After leaving the Air Force, he returned to Texas and worked a few jobs here and there before starting his career with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice as an entry level Correctional Officer. During his time with TDCJ he was able to advance several times during his 20 plus tenure, ultimately reaching the highest level for his area of expertise before retirement.
Upon retiring Darrell took an interest in horses and trail riding, that is when “Mississippi the Old Cowboy” was born. He went all the way out, by purchasing his very first horse he named her “Stuff” along with a trailer, barn space and joined a trial riding club. He joined his first club for a short period of time before finding his permanent place with “All Around Riding Club”. He participated in several trail rides, rodeos, and competitions earning several awards and trophies over the years. Darrell built friendship that lasted the test of time.
He was very dedicated to the club, he would often be gone for weeks at a time from Houston to Crosby, PV to Houston then to the Astrodome now known as NRG Stadium. He remained active in the club until his health shifted. The Cowboy was still a cowboy, but it was time to let the youngsters take over. He had trained his grandson Trevion to handle the horses as well as his granddaughter Andranique to ride with occasionally.
Darrell was blessed to become a father to six amazing individuals over the span of his 66 years of being planted on this side of the earth. Darrell had several shots at love, but only one woman stole his heart for a lifetime. While stationed in Arkansas he met a young lady in 1979 named Sharon Buie. He convinced her to pack up, leave Arkansas, and move to Texas the rest was history. On May 13, 1994, she became his wife. Their love has spanned over the last 43 years.
During the last watch of the night just before daybreak on June 23, 2022, God heard that his servant Darrell was ready to be offered up. God saw fit to call his name. God ceased the rhythmic sound of his heartbeat from our ears and hearts for a temporary moment in this event we call time. However, we look forward to reuniting with him again at a later appointed time.
Darrell was preceded in death by his parents Melba Balls-Rosell, Otis Washington, and Frank Rosell. Siblings Jennifer Williams, Jessie Sheppard, Brother in love, John Penister and Son in love, Andre Nelson.
He leaves to cherish his memories and continue his legacy his wife Sharon Balls, Children, Darrell Cooks (Lacola), Tina Cooks (Reuben), Keesha White (William), Angela Balls-Aldridge (Natasha), Deshun Williamson, Tyrone Balls (Angelina). Sisters, Dismas “Jeanette” Moore (Archie), Janis Ball, Bridgette Reed and Shantel Washington. Extended Siblings, Earlene, Ellar, Virgina, Verna. Anita, Pamela, Brandy, Audrey, Larry and Allen. Darrell leaves a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family and friends who will cherish his memory as well.
A visitation for Darrell will be held Monday, July 11, 2022 from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM at Paradise Funeral Home, 10401 West Montgomery, Houston, TX 77088.
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