For Elton Vaughn Ball, his Christian faith was the cornerstone of his life. From the age of 17, the United States Navy began to give him the structure and discipline for his 99 and one-half years of life. He was born at the home of his grandparents in Ball Hollow, in the community of Helton, Ashe County, North Carolina on September 3, 1926. He and his twin sister, Selma, were the first-born children of John Gaither Ball and Fannie Catherine Testerman Ball. Selma did not survive infancy, but Vaughn became the big brother to William Giles Ball and two sisters, Genavea Ball Waddell and Genalea Ball Davis.

It was along Big Helton Creek that Vaughn first saw the young Carrie Evelyn Blevins and decided then and there that she was the girl he would marry. Their 63-year marriage ended in 2010 when Evelyn succumbed to Alzheimers. Love came into his life again when he least expected it as God directed him to the side of his friend Mary Lowder Hennessee at their church. Mary became his beautiful bride in 2011 and she loved and patiently cared for him, particularly the past few years of his failing health.

Vaughn will be remembered with great love by his devoted wife, Mary Ball, his daughter, Sandy Hahn (Rev. Galen) and stepson, Greg Hennessee (Tanya). He will be fondly remembered by grandchildren Whitney Hahn-Fisher (Larry), Mara Hahn Whitener (Jim), Austin Hennessee (Lindsey), Erin Hennessee, Chris Baka and Ryan Baka; and great-grandchildren Kaitlyn and Jackson Fisher, Isaac and Aida Lamb, and Emmalyn Fisher.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel, one hour prior to the service.

Funeral Service will be on Tuesday at 2:00 PM at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow at Ashelawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest with military rites in honor of his proud naval service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Elton’s honor to: Samaritan’s Purse P.O. Box 3000 Boone, NC 28607