GAINESVILLE, TX - Local authorities and family members are asking for the public's help locating a Gainesville man missing since August 13. Eddy Ball, Jr. was last seen leaving his home in his blue Dodge Durango and hasn't been heard from since.

The Gainesville Police Department says the case is classified as an endangered missing adult.

Ball is described as a 50 year old white man, approximately 6'5", 225 pounds with black hair and hazel eyes. His 2000 blue Dodge Durango SUV has Texas tags BZ5N089.

Family members say Ball works in the oil fields near Decatur and has many friends in North Texas and Southern Oklahoma.

"I don't know anyone that dislikes him," said his mother Barbra Wofford.

But it's all the unknowns in Ball's disappearance that Wofford says are the hardest.

"I can be just walking around and I just start bawling. And I straighten up - because I know I can't do that. I don't believe in burying someone before their time," Wofford said.

All of Ball's jeans and shirts are still hanging in his closet, his clean clothes are still folded on his bed, and his favorite fishing poles are still in the shed.

Wofford says he pulled out of their driveway more than two weeks ago, like any ordinary evening. But this time he simply never came home and never even called.

"I know that if he was broke, if he was laying in a gutter some place alive he would look around and if there way a pay phone he would call collect,"

Wofford says no matter what, she's never gone more than a couple days says without seeing or hearing from her son.

"At this time the police department is investigating the missing persons case. We have investigators looking at all possibilities," said Sgt. Bobby Balthrop of the Gainesville Police Dept.

Wofford fears Ball may be dead, because she says if he was capable or able he would have called her.

But she's still clinging to hope

"I can't give up. Not until I know for sure. I'll never give up until i know for sure," Wofford.

If you have any information on the whereabouts of Eddy Ball, Jr. you are asked to call Gainesville Police at (940) 668-7777 or their Crime Tips Hotline at (940) 612-0000. Police say you can remain anonymous.