resting_place death_date death_place years_active birth_place home_town image_size nationality article_title parents birth_date known_for residence spouse image employer name occupation
wilmington , delaware 24 june 1981 new orleans , louisiana u.s. 1926-1981 hardings , northumberland county , virginia , united states jacksonville , florida , u.s. 200px american edward ball -lrb- businessman -rrb-
 lalla gresham and thomas ball 21 march 1888 financier , power broker tallahassee , florida , u.s. ruth -lrb- 1933-1949 ; divorce -rrb- edwardball.jpg alfred i. dupont testamentary trust edward gresham ball trust administrator
edward ball -lrb- businessman -rrb-

edward gresham ball -lrb- march 21 , 1888 -- june 24 , 1981 -rrb- was an american businessperson .
he was a powerful figure in business and politics in florida for decades , despite the fact that he never held public office and did not own the assets he controlled .
he worked for and with his brother-in-law , alfred i. du pont for nine years before running the alfred i. dupont testamentary trust 's businesses by himself for another 46 years .
he led the st. joe company to become a major player in several industries in florida .
