Gerald Bradley Ward

Gerald (Jerry) Bradley Ward, age 73, passed away on April 18, 2024, in Harker Heights, TX. He was born in California to the late Lenore and Richard Ward on March 2, 1951. Jerry is predeceased by his parents, brother David, and grandparents. He was a native Californian but proudly claimed Texas as his home since 1981.

Jerry is survived by the great love of his life, wife Sherry, and his beloved children: Bradley Ward and wife Heather; Brian Ward and wife Chastity; Brett Levy and wife Amanda. Jerry considered these women to be his true daughters. He is also survived by adored grandchildren: Autumn Mather and husband Marcus, Devin Ward and wife Whitney, Sarah Ward, Raley Levy, and Emerson Levy. Jerry voiced his gratitude for living long enough to also see a legacy of four great-grandchildren with a fifth on the way. It was Jerry’s greatest joy to see his children become happily married, know Jesus, and raise the next generations to authentically love the Lord. He is also survived by his dear sisters: Sheryl Malone and husband Peter; Karen Campbell and husband Doug; and many nieces and nephews.

Gerald Bradley Ward was drafted into the Army and became a career helicopter pilot, receiving many accolades and awards culminating in the Bronze Star after Desert Storm. During his military service, Jerry also sold water softeners, attained his Bachelors Degree, and opened a tire store. He was quite the entrepreneur. After he retired from the army, Jerry became a Primerica Financial Services Senior Regional Vice President until his recent death. Jerry’s faith was an important part of his life. He was a member of First Baptist Church Killeen and taught Sunday School classes for 34 years. Jerry was also a deacon, served in men’s ministry, and held a men’s prayer meeting in his office for many years. He believed Christianity was a way of life, not a label. It was this faith that made him a man of integrity, with a unique capacity for understanding and relating to people. Jerry enriched everyone he knew with his wit and wisdom. He was a man of worth.

Jerry enjoyed attack helicopters, cars, boats, airplanes, skiing – anything with speed. One of his favorite things to do was to drive his Porsche sports car fast enough for his passenger’s knuckles to turn white. So, it was a great tragedy that this man was diagnosed with ALS, which slowly impaired his physical abilities and relegated him to a stationary life. Yet, Jerry knew Jesus and remained joyous and content. His greatest love was for his family, and they admired and cherished him as their hero.

Jerry was a life force whose death has left a hole in the hearts of anyone who knew him. His passing is a win for the Lord but a loss for this world. He will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the ALS Association at www.ALS.org.

A Visitation for Gerald will be held Sunday, April 28, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home. A Service will occur Monday, April 29, 2024 at 1:00 PM at First Baptist Church followed by a Committal Service with Full Military Honors will at 3:00 PM at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery.