Ronald Albert Ward, 80, of Chipley FL went home to be with the Lord on January 11, 2023 in Pensacola, FL.
Ronald was born on April 7, 1942 in Apalachicola Florida to William Howard Ward and Lois Irene King Ward. He was a lifelong resident of the Florida Panhandle, but called Chipley, Florida home. He was a member of The House of Healing church in Chipley.
Ronald served as a corpsman in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in 1963. He then worked training and performing with porpoises at the Gulfarium in Fort Walton Beach, FL and later retired as a civilian from Coastal Systems Station Naval Base in Panama City, FL as a waste water treatment operator.
While an accident at the age of 23 left him physically handicapped, he was always quick to state, and then prove, that he was not disabled.
He overcame his limitations through ingenuity, determination, and flat out stubbornness, becoming a jack of all trades; but his passion was people. He never met a stranger and loved to tell stories of his life, tall tales, and of course pull practical jokes and pranks whenever he could. Nothing made him happier than to brighten someone’s day with laughter and joy.
He lived his life with the motto to “help those as you’re able” and would go out of his way to do just that. Never expecting recognition but finding satisfaction knowing that he’d made a difference in someone’s life. He was a devoted and adoring husband, loving father, and doting grandfather, affectionately known as Pa to his grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by by his beloved wife of 47 years, Celia Ann French Ward; parents: William Howard Ward and Lois Irene Ward; brothers: Johnny Ward, Roland Ward, Bronzell Ward; and sister: Iris Gibbs.
He is survived by his two sons: R. Jeremy Ward (Kurt Goodman) of Pensacola, FL, Joshua Ward (Rebekah) of Pensacola, FL; daughter: Nancy Ward Waits (Jason) of Chipley, Florida; sister: MaryAnn Stock (John) of Wewahitchka, FL; 6 grandchildren: Michael Waits (Katelyn), Trista Jones (John Cody), Lane Adams, Noah Ward, Sterling Ward, and Presley Ward.
Funeral Service will be held Saturday, January 21 at 2:00 p.m. at the House of Healing in Chipley, FL with Rev. James Warden officiating. Interment will follow in Wacob Cemetery in Chipley, FL. Obert funeral home of Chipley, FL directing.
