Judge Billy S. Ball

Memorial services with military honors for Judge Billy S. Ball, 85, of Lufkin will be held Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Andrew Garrett and Sheriff Tom Selman officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Carroway Funeral Home.

Judge Ball was born January 12, 1941 in Dallas, Texas to the late Mapel Rosella (Brinkley) Ball and Donald William Ball, and passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2026 in a local hospice facility.

Judge Ball devoted his entire adult life to serving and protecting others. His distinguished career of public service began with the United States Navy, where he proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. He graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement and Police Science. He joined the Dallas Police Department in 1966, serving first as a patrolman before becoming an investigator assigned to the Narcotics Section of the Special Services Bureau. He later served on a Federal Drug Enforcement Task Force, working undercover throughout a multi-state region. During his law enforcement career, he received the Dallas Police Department’s Meritorious Conduct Award - the department’s second-highest honor - for bravery in saving the life of a fellow federal agent during an undercover operation. He was also recognized by the White House for his outstanding investigative work, drug seizures, and law enforcement achievements.

In 1974, Judge Ball moved his family to Lufkin to begin his career with the United States Forest Service as the first Criminal Investigator assigned in Texas. Throughout his tenure, he served in numerous leadership positions, including Law Enforcement Staff Officer for the National Forests in Texas and later as Zone Supervisory Criminal Investigator, overseeing investigative and law enforcement operations across seven southern states and the Caribbean. His work earned numerous commendations for leadership, investigative excellence, and public safety, including being named the 1984 Conservation Officer of the Year for the State of Texas.

Following his federal service, Judge Ball continued his lifelong commitment to the people of Angelina County by serving more than two decades as Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1. Known for his fairness, compassion, and dedication to his community, he remained active in public service until declining health no longer allowed him to continue. Beyond the courtroom, he faithfully served his community through the Lufkin Lions Club, chaired the Texas State Forest Festival for twenty years, taught criminal justice courses at Angelina College, served on numerous civic and law enforcement organizations, and was instrumental in securing funding and equipment for law enforcement agencies throughout East Texas.

Above all, Judge Ball loved his family. He was a man of integrity, courage, and unwavering service whose impact on his community will continue to be felt for generations. He truly left this world a better place than he found it.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Beverly Wilson Ball of Lufkin; son, Donny Ball of Lufkin; granddaughter, Kori Ball of Lufkin; along with extended family members and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, John William Ball; and brother, Francis Ball.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice in the Pines, 1504 W. Frank Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75904.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.