George W. Ball, Ad & PR official, dies at 86

George W. Ball, 86, passed away at home on Tuesday, July 15, 2008.

A resident of Akron since 1958, he was born November 9, 1921 in Lisbon, Ohio to the late Clarence and Ursilla. George graduated from Mount Union College in 1943 and completed his academic requirements at the Syracuse University Graduate School, School of Journalism in 1949.

A World War II veteran, he served in both Europe and Japan and was awarded the Purple Heart medal.

George worked in advertising and public relations his entire career. From 1946 to 1957 he served in various positions at Syracuse University, Mount Union College, and his own public relations business. In 1957 he joined The University of Akron as Director of University Relations and later served as Executive Director of University Relations and Development and Executive Director of University Relations and Communications. He was Assistant to the President and Secretary, Board of Trustees at the time of his retirement in 1987. His career at the university spanned its growth from a municipal institution to the third largest university in Ohio.

George was a member of numerous professional organizations including Sigma Delta Chi Public Relations Society of America, and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

He was a member of the Akron Rotary Club, the Akron Salvation Army Advisory Board and numerous other community, civic and service organizations. He was a Life member of the United Methodist Church, serving on nearly all lay committees at the First United Methodist Church of Akron, including Chairman of the Board of Trustees. George worked diligently with other church officers and committee members to rebuild the church after a fire in 1994.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Doris; he is survived by son, Eric Ball of Copley; daughters, Cynthia Ball of Akron, Carolyn (Dion) Garner of Indiana; grandson, Patrick Garner.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday at the First United Methodist Church of Akron, 263 E. Mill St., Akron with Rev. Douglas G. Meek officiating. Inurnment at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. Friends may call 5 to 8 p.m., Friday at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., Akron 44333. If desired, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Akron, the University of Akron Foundation or the Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)
[Beacon Journal, Akron, OH,Thursday, July 17, 2008, page B5, col. 2]