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Appalachian State mourns the passing of two community members |
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Thursday, 18 January 2007 |
by JAMISON DORAN
News Reporter
Appalachian State University lost two of its own over Winter Break in Dr. W. David Ball Sr. and Thelma C. Raley.
Dr. W. David Ball
Ball, 61, of Starkville, Miss., died the morning of Dec. 20 at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Miss. His death comes after he suffered a stroke Dec. 18.
Ball served as Appalachian’s Director of the Career Development Center from 1982 until his retirement last May.
“It breaks my heart to have to accept that Dr. Ball is gone, I still
can’t truly believe it,” Marjorie N. Ellis, associate director of the
career development center, said.
Ellis said Ball was not only her boss, but also her friend.
Ball began his career as a public school teacher and then moved on to
hold a similar position to the one he held at Appalachian at
Jacksonville State University in Alabama.
He viewed his job as an important one because he was able to help
college students find themselves and decide what they wanted to do with
their lives.
In addition to helping students find their way, he was also an animal lover.
Ball was an avid supporter of the Watauga Humane Society and the cat
rescue program. His family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations
be made to the Watauga Humane Society.
Through Welch Funeral Homes in Starkville, Miss., a guestbook has been
set up online for people to offer the family condolences and to share
some of their favorite memories.
As of Wednesday, there were 59 entries online from various places throughout the country.
“I learned so much from Dr. Ball regarding professionalism, integrity
and loyalty, and I will miss him greatly,” Michelle D. Brown, counselor
in the career development center, said.
Thelma C. Raley
Raley, a resident of Winter Haven, Fla., and Blowing Rock, died of heart failure at the age of 94 in her home.
Raley was born Nov. 22, 1912 in Cypress, Fla.
“She was an Appalachian graduate and a strong supporter of the college
of business. In fact, the new college of business building is named
after her,” Dean of Students Susie L. Greene said.
Raley viewed education as something extremely important, and she has
not only been a benefactress of Appalachian but also sponsored
scholarships for the Polk County Community College.
In 1992, at the age of 80, Raley completed a dream of hers when she
received her Bachelors of Arts degree in English from Appalachian.
“She felt it was important and was something that she wanted to do,”
her son, Lindsay Raley, said in an interview with the Florida Ledger.
A close friend of Chancellor Kenneth E. Peacock, she had a profound
impact on his life. Raley’s family even requested his presence at her
funeral.
Raley and her husband were prominent citrus growers in Florida and were considered pioneer leaders of the industry.
After her first husband died, Raley managed and operated their citrus
business by herself, which helped her earn a place in the Florida
Citrus Hall of Fame.
In fact, the Polk County newspaper in Florida said by all popular
accounts, she should be the “First Lady of Florida” due to her
generosity and being able to overcome obstacles with such ease.
“She had a great saying that ‘Education is a journey not a
destination,’ and I really think that’s correct because we never stop
learning,” Peacock said.
She dreamt of going to college but was unable to because she had to
take over her husband’s business, and after falling in love with
Appalachian she decided to get her degree here, Peacock said.
“She was the first one across the stage and I don’t know anyone who was prouder or who held their head higher,” he said.
She was a very good friend of mine and of the Appalachian community and she will be missed, Peacock said.
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