Born in McCreary County, KY, Norman Ball graduated from the Berea College Academy in 1933 and from Berea College in 1939.  He enlisted in September 1942 and eventually served in North Africa, Italy, and France.  At the time of his enlistment, he was the fifth member of his family to join the service.  Ball received an honorable discharge in October 1945.

Ball returned to McCreary County and taught in the county school system before retiring in 1973.  He was an active supporter on Berea College and inspired several of his family members to attend the college as well.  Ball died in 1992.