Mr. Alward was born in Greenville, SC on September 26, 1941 to the late Francis Ream and Mary Edith McDaniel Alward. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he had a comforting spirit that was welcoming to everyone. Francis was a friendly man who never met a stranger, and had an infectious smile that would light up a room. He enjoyed his time spent at the Life Center in Greenville, where he played basketball with his friends. Francis loved the outdoors, especially going on walks, and was proud of his hometown of Pickens, especially living in the Pumpkintown community. He was an avid supporter of the University of Georgia and their football program, and was a U.S. National Guard veteran. Francis was a devoted member of Pickens First Baptist Church.
In addition to his loving wife of 63 years, Francis is survived by his two children: Holly Alward Melton (Mike) of Greenville and Ashley Alward Utsey (Josh) of Beaufort, SC; his seven grandchildren: Mary Evelyn, Lizzy, Caroline, and Michael Melton, and Will, Ben, and Ellis Grace Utsey; two sisters: Marilyn Flowers of Rock Hill and Leah Curtis of Syracuse, Indiana; and a half-sister: Carol Hill (Parks) of Greenville.
Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at Pickens First Baptist Church with interment to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 2:45 PM on Wednesday, prior to the service, in the Church fellowship hall.
The family is at the residence.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children: 950 W Faris Rd, Greenville, SC 29605.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
