John Carter Ball

On Tuesday, October 11, 2022, John Carter Ball, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away at age seventy-six. John was predeceased by his parents Edward and Ann Ball and his brother Robert Ball. He is survived by his wife Janet Ball and his brother, Calvin Ball, his two daughters, Julie Henderson and Carrie Lavette, and his four grandsons, Jeffrey Henderson, Jacob Henderson, Cameron Lavette and Devon Lavette. 

John earned a B.S. in Industrial Engineering and an MBA from West Virginia University and spent his career in aerospace manufacturing. In 2012, he retired as CEO of Universal Alloy Corporation (“UAC”) in Canton, GA (and formerly Anaheim, CA). He was a successful business leader and both a mentor and a friend to his colleagues and customers over his esteemed career. 

In 1997, John was instrumental in bringing UAC to Canton, GA and building a brand new manufacturing location and creating over 300 jobs in Cherokee County.  In 2011, a street in Anaheim, CA, called “John Ball Way” was dedicated to him to memorialize his business accomplishments and his 20 years of service with UAC. Additionally, under John’s leadership, UAC expanded into the European market with a facility in Romania.

In retirement, John founded both the Stables at Union Hill and the Stables at Hickory Flat. These horse stables and training facilities board over 50 horses servicing the Woodstock and Canton areas. He loved spending time at the horse stables, improving the properties and, of course, chatting, sharing stories and laughing with the boarders.

John was best known for his quick-witted humor, frequent practical jokes, fierce determination, and generous spirit. He never met a stranger in his life and easily made friends with anyone and everyone. His larger than life spirit and infectious laugh will be dearly missed by all those who knew him and loved him. 

Most importantly, John was married to his high school sweetheart, Janet, who he loved dearly for over fifty-five years. In spite of his numerous business accomplishments, John considered his most important achievement to be his loving family.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at 1 p.m. at Canton Funeral Home and Cemetery in Canton, Georgia. A visitation will precede the memorial service from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the same location.

In lieu of giving flowers, the family asks that those who are able make a donation to Heaven’s Gait Therapeutic Riding at 2471 E. Cherokee Drive, Woodstock, GA 30188. Please donate directly at http://www.hgtrinc.com/501c3-donations/ or contact Kelly at (770) 656-5764 with any questions.