Ricky P. Ball

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Ricky P. Ball — though he would undoubtedly tell us, “Quit your crying!” Known to many as Rick Ball, Captain Rick, Mister Rick, Dad, Dear, and most importantly, Grumpy, Rick passed away after a long illness on the morning of December 27, 2025, at home, with his longtime bride, Denise, by his side.

 

Rick was born to Arthur P. (Art) Ball and Mary Joan (Joan) Ball on November 8, 1957, in Homestead, Florida. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, where he met the love of his life, Denise. The two were married on June 21, 1980, and together they welcomed a son, Justin, and later a daughter, Ashley.

A true Floridian at heart, Rick loved fishing. There was no place he’d rather be than out on the water. He taught countless kids how to fish, including his own children, the neighborhood kids, their friends, and later, his grandkids – his special fishing buddy in particular. Whether it was catching dozens of crappie on the lake, bottom fishing offshore for snapper and grouper, shrimping on the river, slapping mahi after mahi in the boat, or pulling in a giant tuna in the gulf – if he was fishing, he was happy. And the man had a reputation – there was no one better to put you on the fish than Rick Ball. You weren’t there to fish after all, you were there to catch.

Rick was known for his sense of humor, his stern demeanor, and his towering stature. He projected a tough exterior and fully embraced his “Grumpy” reputation, but beneath it was one of the kindest hearts you could find. He helped anyone who needed it and truly knew no stranger. Though he met many people in his lifetime, they often stopped being strangers after a long conversation — conversations that could wander anywhere and usually did.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Art Ball and Joan Ball. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Denise Ball, and his son, Justin P. Ball, both of Orange Park, Florida; his daughter and son-in-law, Ashley and Blake Holt, and his granddaughters, Maia and Madi Holt, of Mount Vernon, Maine; his brother, Randy (Judy) Ball of Tennessee; his sister, Cindi (David) Wallace; and his brother, Tamier Ball, both of South Carolina, and many nieces and nephews – all who loved him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Rick’s memory to the Clay County Humane Society, 2230 Filmore Street, Orange Park, Florida 32065 (click here).

Crevasse’s Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Ball family.