Guy Ball

Alexander, Ark.—Guy Cyril Ball, a 50-year veteran of the carpet business, passed away here on May 15, five days after being diagnosed with liver cancer. He was 80.

Born on July 29, 1926 in Memphis, Tenn., Ball served in the Navy for two years as a Motor Machinist Mate, 3rd Class, in the Pacific Theater. After working in the clothing business for a short time, he worked in the carpet business for 50 years, beginning as an installer and carpet cleaner.

In 1955, Ball became a partner with Jim Hill Sr., in Little Rock, Ark., at Hill’s Carpets.

In 1957, he moved to Tulsa, Okla., and opened Ball & Park Rug Cleaners, with his father-in-law.

“Guy never met a stranger,” said his son, Bruce. “At the Dallas and Atlanta markets, his smile and friendly conversations would light up the showrooms. He was famous in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Mississippi for his expertise in repairing and reweaving antique, woven and tufted carpets. His passing has left a hole in everyone’s heart. His easy-going nature made him friends with whomever he met. He led a full life and will be remembered forever.

“He taught so many installers, cleaners and floor repair people the ‘right way’ to do things,” Bruce added. “Never settling for a job that he couldn’t be proud of, he always took the time to make it look its best. His motto at Ball & Park was, “‘Be Proud of your rugs!’”

Ball remained with Ball & Park until 1980, when he sold the business. After having unsuccessfully tried retirement, he went back to work from 1983 to 1997 at Hill’s in Little Rock doing take-offs for commercial jobs, measuring, repairs and helping with installers.

He then started Iona Corp., in honor of his wife, to subcontract the take-offs, estimates and repairs for other retailers. “This gave him more flexibility to be near mom who had developed cancer,” Bruce said.

His three sons learned so much from him they all have continued his legacy in the industry. The oldest, Mike, manages BPI’s Installer Supply Center for multiple locations in Memphis, Tenn. Middle son, Bruce, owns a retail store, Floor Concepts, in Wilmington, Del., which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. The youngest, Kevin, now works for Formica Flooring in Denver after having worked for many years for Armstrong. “We are all greatly indebted to him for his expertise, honesty and integrity,” Bruce said.

Ball is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Iona Ball Alexander; sons, Mike and wife, Debra of Bartlett, Tenn., Bruce and wife, Jamie of Hockessin, Del., and Kevin and wife, Kristin of Aurora, Colo.; brother, Gary of Lakeland, Tenn.; sisters, Nila Ray Whittaker of Fort Pierce, Fla., and Neva Lynn Lemke of Neenah, Wis.; grandsons, David, Ryan, Jason, Sean, Dan, Seth, Sam and Charlie.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the 2nd Presbyterian Church, 600 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72227.