Dr. George Ball

Setting the standard for excellence in OBGYN care during his nearly 40 years of active practice, Dr. Ball leaves a rich legacy for others to follow. 

Married for 69 plus years to the love of his life, Martha, together they raised 4 sons; and were blessed with 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Born August 11, 1933, in Tylertown, MS to Inez Naugle and William McKinley (Mack) Ball, George was the fourth and last child born, joining older sisters Jean, Florence, and older brother William (Bubba). The youngest by 6 years, George literally had “the place to himself” as he enjoyed unfettered access to the hills, hollers, rivers, lakes, and streams of his surrounding Walthall County where dove, quail, ducks, and fish abounded. What a “Tom Sawyer-esque” environment to grow up and mature!!

George graduated from Tylertown High School an accomplished 4 sport athlete; trumpet player in the school band; selected by his classmates as “Mr. Tylertown High School” and a friend to all that knew him. 

Accepting a football scholarship to East Central Junior College (ECJC) in Decatur, MS, George unwittingly placed himself only a short 19-mile drive to the home of one Miss Martha Jean Alexander his future wife and mother of his children. There a romance grew and as he matriculated on to Mississippi State University to continue his pre-medical studies, a romance royale ensued, as Martha was only a short ride away from Starkville, MS to Columbus, MS where Martha was an undergraduate Bacteriology/Chemistry major at the “W”. 

Marrying Martha at her hometown church, the Union Presbyterian church on July 24, 1955, medical school at Tulane and OBGYN specialty training at Charity Hospital (Tulane Division) under the direction of renowned professor of OBGYN Dr. Conrad Collins, soon followed. Upon completion of his specialty training, George accepted a commission into the United States Air Force, initially being stationed at Ramey AFB, Puerto Rico, and then onto Chanute AFB, Rantoul, Illinois.

Here George rose rapidly through the ranks, ultimately becoming a Major and being recognized repeatedly as an outstanding OBGYN physician and surgeon. As their service drew to a close, plans were made for the couple and their 4 young sons to return to Mississippi to establish an OBGYN medical practice and continue raising their young family. This they did moving their young family back to Mississippi, settling in Jackson in the summer of 1966. 

The Clinic for Women of Central Mississippi was opened shortly thereafter by George and his partner Dr. Ken Pittman in a small 2-man office in Westland Plaza. Rapid growth occurred and in 1967, a brand new office building was constructed at 1820 Hospital Drive, directly across from the recently opened Hinds General Hospital. This building was to see 2 more additions as well as the addition of 4 more OBGYN partners, C J Lewis, Frank Banks and including (2) of George’s sons: Dr. Chris Ball (1986) and Dr. Kyle Ball (1988). 

George rapidly became active in Medical issues on the local, state, and National levels; serving as a board-certified member of the American College of OBGYN (ACOG); a diplomate of the American Board of OBGYN (ABOG); President of the Tulane OBGYN alumni association; President of Southeastern OBGYN Society; president of the Sim-Bass OBGYN Society; Chief of staff of Hinds General Hospital (now Merit Health Central); Founding Board member and Secretary/Treasurer of Medical Assurance Company of Mississippi (MACM) and a Teaching Professor UMMC Department of OBGYN. 

George was a lifelong member of the Alta Woods United Methodist Church, especially enjoying his time in the church choir. Christ was always at the center of his life. 

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Martha, along with his 4 SONS: Dr. George Christopher (Karen); Dr. David Kyle (Maury); Rev William Gregory, and Dr. John Jeffrey (Courtney). His 12 GRANDCHILDREN: Katherine, Tyler (Lindsay); Sara Martin (Hess); George (Monet); John; Elizabeth (Mike); William (Nicole); Kathryn; Sidney; Taylor (Macy); Kittie (Ben); Caleb (Camryn). His 16 GREAT GRANDCHILDREN: Carter & Collin (Ball); Bennett, Luke & Kyle (Ball); Gabriel, Vivienne & Zachery (Jones); James, Luke & Charlie (Ball); Lucy & Louise (Robertson); Briggs & Lila (Ball); Amelia (Starkey).

Special acknowledgment to our healthcare team: Dr. Murphy Martin (Nephrologist) and Dr. Al Figueroa (Cardiologist) who both provided selfless care during this difficult time. The family wishes to further acknowledge the excellent care provided by caregivers Gerald Williams and Donnie Ray Turnage as well as Hospice nurse April Bridges of Mississippi Homecare Services Baptist.

A visitation for Dr. Ball will be held Saturday, March 22, 2025, starting at 10:00 AM at Christ United Church, 6000 Old Canton Road, followed by a celebration of life at 11:00 AM.