Zeffer Noy Dates

It is with deep sympathy we announce the passing of Zeffer Dates, Jr., of Gadsden, AL, who transitioned on Friday, January 2, 2026, at the age of 74.  We ask that you keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during the difficult time.  

Zeffer Noy Dates Jr. was born on March 21, 1951, in Talladega County, Alabama, to the late Zeffer Noy Dates, Sr. and Anne Dates. He was educated in the Talladega County School System and carried the values of hard work, humility, and kindness throughout his life.

A man of many skills and a tireless work ethic, Zeffer built his career in automotive detailing services and landscaping. In every neighborhood he touched, he was known as the dependable handyman—the person you could always count on for a helping hand and a friendly word. An outdoorsman at heart, he found joy and peace in God’s creation, especially in watching and caring for birds—earning him the affectionate title “the bird man.”

To those who knew him best, he was lovingly called “Zef” and “Noy,” and to his devoted wife, he was known as “Bernard.” His gentle nature, steady spirit, and love for family and community left a lasting imprint on all who had the blessing of knowing him.

Zeffer was preceded in death by his father, Zeffer Noy Dates, Sr.; his mother, Anne Dates; siblings, Mae Brown, Price Dates, Larry Dates, and sister-in-law Vivian McCloud.

He leaves to celebrate his life and give thanks to God for his legacy his beloved wife, Brenda Dates, of Lithia Springs, Georgia; his children, Tracy Ball of Lithia Springs, Georgia, Sheldon (Lisa) Ball of Lithonia, Georgia, Orlando (Sonya) Ball of Madera, California, and Brian Ball of Hollywood, California; his sister, Maryann of Gadsden, Alabama; his brothers-in-law, Fernando (Madge) Ball of Atlanta, Georgia, Greg (Willie Jane) Ball of Gadsden, Alabama, and Ricky McCloud of Gadsden, Alabama; and his sister-in-law, Patsy (Ray) Lindsey of Albertville, Alabama.

His life and faith live on through his eight grandchildren, Michelle Azizani, Anitra Ball, Sheldon Ball, Jr., Orlando Ball, Jr., Aleyah Ball, Seth Ball, Christian Ball, and Alexine Martinez; his seven great-grandchildren, Montgomery Ball, Christian Azizani II, Alice Martinez, Sheldon Thomas Ball, Maurice Brown II, Ella Kemp, and Paris McElroy, along with a host of relatives and friends. We rejoice in knowing that his legacy continues through them and that his life has returned to God, in whom he trusted and whom he served.

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