F. Nolan Ball

Floyd Nolan Ball was born on November 14, 1929 in Bothwell, Mississippi.  His father, Paul Ball, could not have been prouder and his mother, Ruth, would tell the story of how she held her 12 pound baby  up before the Lord and prayed, “Lord, if this boy is not going to serve you, please, just take him.”  Over the next several years, he began to hear a Voice, first in the plantive melody and words sung by a Salvation Army group on the street corner of a little Mississippi town: “What Would You Give in Exchange for Your Soul,” and then in the spring of 1947 at the age of 17 while attending a revival in a Methodist church, Nolan once again heard that Voice and became aware in his spirit that he was being called to preach.  Nolan Ball answered that call and faithfully served the Lord up until his last day on June 19, 2018, when he passed away at the age of 88.
 
After graduating from Baldwin County High School, Nolan served four years in the U.S. Air Force, attaining the rank of Sergeant before his honorable discharge in 1951.  That same year, he met and married Shirley Navello from London, England and in 1953, Nolan and Shirley made the choice to submit their lives to God at First Assembly of God in Alexandria, Virginia. In 1954, they started a family and moved to Lakeland, Florida, where Nolan enrolled at Southeastern Bible College of the Assemblies of God. They lived in Lakeland for six years where Nolan attended classes and worked to provide for his growing family. He was Valedictorian at Southeastern College, giving the commencement address at his graduation in 1957.  He also graduated from Florida Southern College in 1958 with honors. From 1957-1986, Pastor Ball led Assembly of God churches in Lakeland FL, Angel City FL, Talladega AL, Tallahassee FL, and Panama City FL. He served as both a District Presbyter in the Alabama and West Florida Districts of the Assemblies of God. And as a General Council Presbyter from the West Florida District.
 
There were many pivotal moments in the life of Nolan Ball, but perhaps the most determinative point in time was in the early summer of 1969 when he was selected to become the tenth pastor of what was then known as Dirego Park Assembly of God (now known as The Rock.)  He moved to Panama City with his wife, Shirley and their children and quickly set about the work of the ministry, building not only a new worship facility and gymnasium, but also laying the foundation for the Kingdom House that was destined to be built in Bay County.  And although he may not have known it then, every step on the road that led Nolan and Shirley to this beautiful forgotten coast, had prepared them for the life they would lead and the mark they would make.
 
Nolan Ball was an Apostle of Christ whose voice rang out through Bay County for 48 years. It rang in a move of Holy Ghost that swells and vibrates with supernatural power to this day, sounding a call to hear and follow The Voice.  During those 48 years, as a spiritual father, Apostle Ball established 26 men in the ministry, beginning in 1987 and ending in 2018. Along with establishing men in the U.S., he has worked with national leaders in Peru, South America; Jamaica, West Indies; Kenya, East Africa, and Zaire, West Africa to establish churches. He gave himself completely to these men, just as he had always given himself completely to his every calling.
 
Nolan Ball loved the ministry.  He remained committed to the will and purpose of Yahweh as leader of The Rock of Panama City  until his retirement in January 2018.  His leadership opened wide the gates for thousands of people to be changed from glory to glory. With Christ as the Chief Cornerstone, Apostle Ball had successfully laid the foundation upon which the next generation could build. 
 
Nolan is survived by the love of his life, his sweetheart, friend and confidant, Shirley; his sister, Johnnie Price; his children, Donna Nicholson, Cheryl (Steve) Gerlecz, Kathryn (Tim) Grindstaff, and Mark Ball; his grandchildren, Elizabeth (Chris) Sturdivant, Erin (James) Stover, Caroline (Kent) Keirsey, Benjamin Nicholson, and Chad (Sharon) Grindstaff; his great-grandchildren, Isabella & Carolina Sturdivant, Maurie Grace & Anna Kate Stover, and Kent & Georgia Keirsey.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Ruth Ball; his grandparents, John and Luana Stone; sons-in-law Dwain McIntosh and James Thomas Nicholson; and two granddaughters, Kristen Ryan Nicholson and Caylee Kathleen Grindstaff.
 
He is indelibly associated with the people of The Rock of Panama City.  His vision of The Rock being a multi-generational gathering, moving as one body to bring the glory of Yahweh to this beautiful county and to all of the earth, will be fulfilled in the hearts and lives of those who follow behind him.
 
Though Nolan was born in Mississippi and raised in Florida, he was an avid Alabama football fan (Roll Tide!) and rarely missed a game.  He was a very good golfer, having the joy of making a hole-in-one on Hole #7 at the Lynn Haven Country Club.
 
Friends will be received Sunday, June 24 from 5:00-8:00 pm at The Rock of Panama City, 2413 Harris Avenue.  The funeral service will be on Monday, June 25 at 10:00 a.m. at The Rock of Panama City, with burial at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.  Asked to serve as pallbearers are Apostle Tim Grindstaff, Chad Grindstaff, Kent Keirsey, Pastor Benjamin Nicholson, James Stover, and Chris Sturdivant.  Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Joe Gerlecz, Pastor Charles Giersberg, Apostle John Ramsey, Telford Reynolds, Jerry Goodman, Pastor Jeff Tinch, Robert Hudson, Harvey Fox, Henry Jordan, and the many spiritual sons who were established in ministry by Apostle F. Nolan Ball. 
 
Kent-Forest Lawn is assisting the family with arrangements.

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