Michael "Mike" Leon Ward

Michael “Mike” Leon Ward, of Acworth, Georgia, passed away surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy of strength, kindness, and unwavering devotion to family and faith. Born on July 14, 1951, in Atlanta, Georgia, Mike was the beloved son of Marvin and Maudie Dover.

Mike’s life was forever changed when he met his best friend and the love of his life, Joslyn Garrett, while playing ball at the Coats & Clark Ballfield in Acworth, Georgia. That chance meeting blossomed into a beautiful marriage that spanned 55 wonderful years—filled with love, laughter, devotion and countless cherished memories.

A dedicated and hardworking man, Mike earned his degree in Civil Engineering from Southern Technical Institute. He devoted 32 years of service to the Georgia Department of Transportation before retiring in 2002. Never one to sit still, Mike continued working in the Engineering roles for 10 more years with Moreland Altobelli, Mactec Engineering Consulting and Amec Environment and Infrastructure finally stepping into full retirement in 2012.

Mike was a man of deep faith who maintained a personal relationship with God and was a lifelong member of New Light Baptist Church. His faith guided his life and shaped the way he loved and served others.

He had a passion for softball, quiet often playing seven days a week. He played on several teams over the years, including the Chumley Raiders, Days Chevrolet and many more. Beyond the field, Mike found joy in karaoke, traveling, and spending time with those he loved most. Whether it was trips to the Bahamas, Hilton Head Island, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Helen, Chattanooga, Nashville and Walt Disney World. Mike enjoyed nights with family and friends, dining out, or visiting Tammy Oliver and Brandon House to sing karaoke, Mike treasured every moment. Mike was a bit of a gambler consistently playing the same numbers and games weekly since the lottery began.

Mike will be remembered as a hardworking, loving, and selfless man who never turned anyone away. He was strong, determined, and a true fighter, always putting others before himself and caring deeply for those around him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joslyn Garrett Ward; his brother, Marvin “Doe Doe” Dover (Judy); and many cherished nieces and nephews: Jessica Trout (Jerimie), Brittney Boquet, Koby Daniel Trout, Hailey Trout, Nathan Trout, Jason Deckman, Layla Boquet and Mandy Bozeman. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Carolyn Ward, Diane Crocker, and Janet Waits (Jr.); and his brothers-in-law Karl Garrett, Greg Garrett, and Scott Logan along with other nieces, nephews, many extended family members and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Tracey Lynn Ward; his parents, Marvin and Maudie Dover; his mother-and father-in-law, Hoyt and Barbara Garrett; his brothers Troy Ward, Danny Ward, and Ricky Dover; his sisters Atrica Ward and Bonnie Logan; his brother-in-law Robert Crocker; and his sisters-in-law Shelia Garrett and Diane Garrett.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Mike’s memory to the American Lung Association or the American Heart Association.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home in Kennesaw, Georgia. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 12:00 PM at the funeral home, followed by interment at Rolling Hills Memory Gardens.

Mike’s legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering strength will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.