Samuel Davis Ball, 79, of Henderson, Kentucky, went to be with the Lord on Monday, October 30, 2023, at is home surrounded by his loving family.

Big Sam was born June 1, 1944, in Henderson County, Kentucky, to the late Frances Hall Ball and Davis Ball.  Sam was the member of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church for over 55 years.  He worked as an Agribusinessman for more than 30 years serving the Tri-state community after retiring from the NFL.  Sam's passions in his life were hunting, farming, motivational speaking, storytelling, and making people laugh.  Sam's legacy will always be his Faith, Family and Football.

Sam was a first team All-State Henderson County Colonel, Consensus All-American at the University of Kentucky, 2001 Legends of the SEC, UK retired his #73 jersey during the celebrated 100 years of football, Number one draft choice for the Baltimore Colts, Played in Super Bowl III and became World Champion in Super Bowl V.  He was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame Kentucky Chapter and the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame.  Sam was a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award through the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce and the Austin Nichols American Hero Award.

In addition to his parents, Sam was preceded in death by one brother, Thomas E. Ball.

Survivors included three children, daughter Shannon Ball of Little Rock, Arkansas, daughter Shelly Ball Chapel and her husband, Daniel Chapel, of Little Rock, Arkansas, and son Samuel "Shane" Ball and his wife, Shelly Garvey Ball, of Louisville, Kentucky; one sister, Louise "TeeTee" Habermel of Evansville, Indiana; four grandsons, Tristan Fowler, Blake Ball, Kemper Ball, Boone Ball; one granddaughter, Sadie Lou Ball; three nephews, Jason Habermel, Collin Ball, and Ryan Ball; and one niece, Holly Ziemer.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at Chapel Hill Church, 2601 U.S. Highway 60 East, Henderson, Kentucky 42420.  The Reverend Mike Snyder will officiate.  Burial will be in Fernwood Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, November 7, 2023, and 12 p.m. until service time Wednesday at Chapel Hill Church.

Pallbearers will be nephews and grandsons.

The family asks in lieu of flowers to please make a donation to The Salvation Army of Henderson, Kentucky or Saint Anthony's Hospice.

Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com.