Gregory M. Ball

Gregory M. Ball, 73, passed away at his home in Cottondale on March 16th, with his loving family surrounding him, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and deep family roots.

Greg was born in Jackson County, FL, on February 19, 1953, to Milford and Dorothy Ball.

Greg married the love of his life, Jacqueline “Jackie” Ball, on December 5, 1970. Together, they shared 55 years of marriage, building a life grounded in devotion, resilience, and unwavering love. Jackie was truly his pride and joy, and his love for her was evident in every part of his life.

Known affectionately as “Poppy” to those who loved him most, Greg was a man of steel with a tender heart. While he carried strength in all he did, it was his deep love for his family, and especially for Jackie, that defined him. He also had a remarkable sense of humor, always ready with a quick one-liner that could bring a smile to anyone’s face.

In his younger years, Greg had a love for racing and fast cars. As time went on, that passion shifted to big trucks, and eventually grew into a deep love for farming, especially green peanuts. Greg and Jackie didn’t spend their time on vacations; instead, they poured their hearts into building their farm, growing it into a family business known as Ball Farms Green Peanuts.

Farming wasn’t just work; it was a way of life the whole family shared. The kids were right there alongside them, creating memories in the fields that would last a lifetime. The children's retelling of farming stories would often differ from Greg and Jackie's, but there is no doubt that memories were made. Greg was known for his outgoing nature and signature question to anyone he met: “Do you like boiled peanuts?” It was more than a question—it was an invitation into something he truly loved.

After retiring from farming, you would likely see Greg sitting on his porch, enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of coffee or an orange soda. He cherished simple moments in life, a reflection of a life well-lived and deeply rooted in home and family.

Greg was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Jessica; his parents, Milford and Dorothy Ball; and his sister, Brenda Gail. He is joyfully walking hand in hand with Jessy on the streets of heaven.

Greg leaves behind his wife, Jackie; his children, Jeff (Rene) Ball, Liza (Rodney) Speers, and Matt (Twila) Ball; his grandchildren, Taylor, Kindal, Ashley, Isabelle, Isaiah, Rae, Wyatt, Anna Claire, Olivia, Lilly, Kate, Ava, Jantzen, Ryan, and Grayson; along with his great-grandchildren, Braxtyn, Hudsyn, Riley Jo, Truman, Hadley, Harper, Adrian, and Ellie, who will continue to carry on all the values, love and determination that he instilled in us all.

Greg will be remembered for his strength, his humor, his devotion to family, and the legacy he built from the ground up. Though he will be deeply missed, his presence will forever live on in the fields he tended, the porch he loved, and the hearts of all who knew him.

Funeral services will be 2 PM Saturday, March 21, 2026, at James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel with Brian Braxton officiating. Burial will follow in Cottondale First Baptist Church Cemetery with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing. 

The family will receive friends from 12:30-1:30 Saturday, March 21, 2026, at James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel.