"A Man With A Big Heart & Even Bigger Dreams"


The world became a better place when Heaven sent a beautiful, baby boy to Samuel and Henrietta [Hill] Ball on June 16, 1949. The youngest and "baby boy" of nine children, he was christened Johnnie Lemon.

He was adorable, with eyes that twinkled and a countenance that was radiant. He attended Tullahassee School System, where he graduated from Carter G. Woodson High School. Shortly after graduation, Johnnie joined Job Corps and received training in Culinary Arts in Chicago, Illinois. His roving spirit would lead him to Omaha, Nebraska to further pursue Culinary Arts. In addition to the restaurant industry, he was a longtime employee of the Omaha Glass Company until his entrepreneurial itch started. Following those keen instincts, he began to sell Avon, Mary Kay, fire crackers, fruit, ice cream, and even the casino business.


Upon returning to Tulsa, Johnnie was hired at Wonder Bread, where he labored as a mixer. Still compelled by his desire to be his own boss, Johnnie continued pursuing many other business ventures on the side. His breakthrough came when he purchased an ice cream truck and began selling snow cones. It was during this time that he took on the name "Big Daddy," given to him by his son Rod, which seemed to fit his persona. The snow cone business did fairly well over the next three years, but Big Daddy truly wanted to fulfill his life long dream of opening a restaurant.

Out of a trailer in North Tulsa, he began selling turkey legs, and at the recommendation of his daughter Akia, he began to smoke potatoes, and Big Daddy's All American BBQ as you know it was born.


Business continued out of the trailer for 3 years. Due to Tulsa's effort to clean up North Tulsa, the city attempted to shut down Big Daddy's trailer operation. Johnnie fought back and won. This first location is now a full service Big Daddy's restaurant located at 4560 N. Lewis. Its location is representative of his passion for North Tulsa. The business began to boom and expansion from the corner shop was inevitable. Big Daddy set out to build his second location near the corner of 11th and Garnett in Tulsa. It has since moved across the street to the east side of 11th at 1125 S. Garnett. Patrons from all over Tulsa and surrounding areas couldn't get enough of Big Daddy's "smoke" and so the decision was made to open a third Big Daddy's All American BBQ in Jenks, the first to feature waitress service. Following EVEN more requests, he also opened a location in Broken Arrow in October 2005. Big Daddy has served as a barbeque judge for several barbeque contests and has also won several Art of BBQ contest. Big Daddy has always believed that the true secret to excellent barbeque is to slow cook everything over a low heat. He's also received the Governor's Award, Black Business Award, and the Tulsa Public School Award. His legacy of feeding the homeless on Thanksgiving, providing jobs in the community, inspiring and helping young men and women fulfill their dreams, will continue as Big Daddy's BBQ prepared to get bigger and stronger in the decade to come.


Johnnie was a faithful footman for the Lord. He had recently became a member in good and regular standing at the Saint Luke Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Stephen Blades.

On Saturday December 11, 2010 at evening tide, Johnnie's feet caught step with the rhythm of Heaven and now he is at Home. Preceding him in death was his parents, four sisters, and a brother.

Known as a "lover and not a fighter," he had many meaningful relationships. However, three women captured his heart during various times in his life: Shirley Klock, his high school sweetheart, Ruth Ball, the women whom he married twice, and the late Kitty Ford. He raised nine kids; three were biological, but he treated them all with the same tone; Love. Remaining to cherish his precious memories: three brothers: Roden, Omaha, Nebraska., Joseph, Tulsa, Oklahoma., and Cecil, Tulsa, Oklahoma., his children: Andrea Henderson, Adam, Kim, and Rod Doyle (Mia), Akia Wagoner (DeAngelo), Duck, Bear (Tammy), and Talise Taylor, Dawn and Verlisa Ford, 13 grandchildren and a grand host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The Hour of Tribute for "Big Daddy" will be Saturday December 18, 2010 at 10AM at Greater Grace Church. Friends may visit Mr. Ball on Friday from 12Noon to 7PM.