R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home | Memphis, TN

Obituary For Reginald Ward

Reginald Eugene Ward (Red Ball) was born June 18, 1956, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Ora Lee Robinson and Willie Ben Ward, Sr. who both preceded him in death. He was the third child of ten children.

As a young man, he confessed his hope in Christ and was baptized in 1972 at Annesdale Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend N. Faulkner.

Red Ball was educated in the City of Memphis School System. He played the trumpet at Porter Jr High. He was also involved in sports. He sang (baritone) in the choir at Central High School where he graduated in 1974 and immediately joined the U. S. Army afterwards, receiving an honorable discharge.

Red Ball loved gathering with family and friends, along with doing and saying funny things, making us laugh. He would call days ahead of his birthday, requesting what he wanted as a gift. He wouldn’t request anything for Christmas, he would say, “I know you got something for me” because he knew Christmas gifts were supposed to be a surprise.

Anything asked of him, he was willing to help. He’d say, “When I was in the Army, I learned never to volunteer for anything, but it’s different if you ask.”

His favorite scripture was John 11:30, Jesus wept.

Ball leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Velma Ward; a son, Brandon Arnett Ward; a daughter, Yolanda Renee Barbee; three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, a brother, Willie Ben Ward Jr. (Jacqueline); four sisters, Cynthia Jean Jones, Gale Anita Jackson, Terry Denise Smith (Eddie), and Tawanna Renee Henderson; a stepdaughter, Kimberly Payne; three uncles, two aunts, a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; his landlord, Latoya Jones and family; and Red Ball’s sidekick, Morris the cat.

He was also the brother of Hollis Jerome Robinson, Felecia Danary Pinkins, Belinda Blaine Horton and Melinda Melaine Robinson, who preceded him in death.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, July 19, 2023 from 10:00am-11:55am at RS Lewis & Sons 3651 Austin Peay Hwy, Memphis, TN 38128. Graveside services will follow at 12:00noon at West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery.

Interment will be in West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill Irene, Memphis, TN 38125

Guest Book

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he will direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6! I hear you in my spirit quoting my favorite scripture. I keep your obituary and book marker in plain view, oh also I had red wristbands with your name, well, your nickname Red Ball, on it. Now not only will I have fond memories of you, but of Brandon also. He was murdered on February 1. I know how much you loved your son, and he loved you, and I'm missing both of you. Your sister, Terry D. Smith Prov. 3:6 ✝️❤️

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- R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home | Memphis, TN