A. William Ball, Jr., age 96, died at his home on Tuesday, August 29th. Son of Dr. Arthur W. Ball of Frankford, Philadelphia and Anita Seabury Ball of Norfolk, Va.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica on January 18, 1904. He has been a resident of Chester County, Pa since 1917.

Husband of the late Berenice Mueller Ball of St. Joseph, Mo. with whom he shared 61 years of marriage. He is survived by a son, Wm. Whitman Ball of Exton; a daughter, Bernie Lou Himes of Fairfax, Va. Three grandsons and four Great Grandsons.

In 1932, Mr. Ball founded Ball and Ball , manufacturers of antique reproduction brass and iron house and cabinet hardware and 18 century lighting fixtures. The business is currently owned and operated by his son, Whitman, and Grandsons, William and Robert.

He was a long time member and former board member of the Chester County Historical Society; a 60 year member of the Lion's Club of West Chester. He was organizer and first President of the West Chester Rifle and Pistol Club. Founder of Pa. Antique Arms Association. He was a member of the Antique Automobile Club of America and the Rolls Royce Owners Club of America.

He was a respected manufacturer and authority on old brass and iron hardware and old silver. Mr. Ball was a self taught engineer, inventor, an avid bridge player and a great storyteller of Chester County history. He also enjoyed boating, collecting books and driving the countryside. He was a worldwide traveler and could be seen taking his 1960 Rolls Royce for jaunts with the Keystone Region Rolls Royce Owners Club through the Delaware Valley.

He was author of articles on furniture brasses in many antique's magazines. Author of a book on the Silver of William Ball, Silversmith of Philadelphia. He was active in buying and selling antiques until the time of his death.