Donald Bruce Ball

Obituary  

DONALD BRUCE BALL  

Louisville, KY – 74, passed away peacefully on Dec. 7, 2021.  

Don was a highly respected Archaeologist, M.A., R.P.A., and U.S. Army Veteran.  Born in Nashville, TN, he spent the majority of his life in Louisville, KY.  

Don graduated, in 1970, from Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro,  TN with a B.S. degree. He later graduated in 1977, from University of Tennessee,  Knoxville, TN with a M.A. degree.  

Don entered the U.S. Army 18 June 1970. He served in Berlin, Germany, with A  Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th U.S. Infantry, and a unit of the Berlin Brigade. He was  discharged from active service 21 December 1971 having obtained the rank of  Sergeant (E-5). He was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, the  Army of Occupation Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Honorable discharge  was effective 1 June 1976.  

Don’s professional career was spent as an Archaeologist at the U.S. Army Corp of  Engineers, Louisville District, Environmental Analysis Branch, Planning Division.  

Don continued his work in archaeology with research interests focused on:  Prehistoric archaeology of the Southeastern U.S.; History of archaeology research  Southeastern U.S.; 19th Century - rural historic and industrial archaeology and  firearms technology; Spelean history and more. In his field, he authored and co authored 467 Publications. He has another 35 plus publications in-press or submitted  for professional review.  

Don is survived by his beloved Marcia Hemming of over 20 years; his sister, Mary Jane Knight; his son, Donovan Ball and grandchildren Anna and Sophie.  

A graveside service with Military Honors is being administered by Manchester Funeral Home, 214 E. Main St., Manchester, TN 37355 (931) 728-3505; with  service and burial on Saturday, Dec. 18, 10:00 AM at Shady Grove Cemetery, 779  Deberry Rd., Morrison, TN.

Manchester Funeral Home is honored to serve the Ball family.