ROBERT LEE BALL, 73, of Eureka Springs, died Aug. 8, 2008, at the Eureka Springs Hospital after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Bob was born on North Main St. in Eureka Springs on July 3, 1935, to Hassan Ball and Clifton Leach Ball. Bob was a lifelong Eurekan and an entrepreneur, owning Safeway Cab and Tour Company as a teenager. Other business ventures included an Otasco Hardware Store, The Pancakes Place Restaurant, The Adobe House Restaurant, and a few years as a real estate agent.

An avid fisherman, Bob loved the outdoors.

Always a promoter and supporter of his community, Bob was a Jaycee and a Mason, as well as a retired Eureka Springs volunteer fireman. In the 1970s, Bob served on the city council.

Bob is survived by his first wife, Joann Eames Ball and daughters Marsha Edwards and her husband Charles of Eureka Springs, and Joi Ball and Jimmy Jones of Berryville. Bob is also survived by his second wife, Christie Biles, of Holiday Island and son Gerry Ball. Grandchildren are Paige Edwards, Pamela Edwards, and Brittni Jones.

Surviving brothers are Bill and his wife Ramona of Berryville and Floyd Ball and his wife Geneva of Rogers, and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother in 1989, his father in 1990, and an infant son in 1968.

A host of long time and life long friends were loved and appreciated by Bob and also survive him. Bob never met a stranger and was a world class storyteller.

A gathering of friends and family in Bob's honor will be held at Nelson s Chapel of the Springs in Eureka Springs, Wednesday Aug. 13, 2008, from 5 to 8 p.m. Online condolences may be sent to the family at nelsonfuneral.com.