Solomon Ralph Ware Jr.

Solomon “Bud” Ralph, Ware Jr., 83, passed over Tuesday, April 22, 2025 with his loving family by his side. He was born April 3, 1942 in Springfield, IL to Solomon Ralph Ware and Elsie Mae Gooch. He married Renee Karen Dean in July of 1967. While serving in the Navy for 20 years, he was fortunate to serve in many places including Waukegan, IL, New London, CT, Pascagoula, MS, Oahu, HI, Charleston, SC, Los Angeles, CA, Mechanicsville, MD before putting down roots in Jacksonville, Florida.

Bud spent most of his childhood working alongside his parents and 12 siblings in Springfield, Illinois. He joined the military and had a distinguished 20-year career in the Navy specifically “the silent service” of submarines retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Freemasons. Both of these organizations value moral development, fellowship and contributing to society. Those values speak to the values that were Bud. He was known for helping out in any given situation, taking pleasures in the simple values of life like family and a good meal and serving his country faithfully. He was also known for his mischievous sense of humor delighting in stirring the pot and sympathies to whoever sat behind him in cards, he loved to win! He was much respected and loved by his family and friends.

Bud is preceded in death by his wonderful wife, Renee. He is survived by; three children, Michelle married to Scott Rossman, Carmen married to Shawn Stokes, David married to Arlen Ware as well as four amazing grandchildren Brooke Rossman, Cooper Stokes, Parker Rossman and Solomon Stokes. He is also survived by his brothers Orville, Bill and Joe Ware as well as many nieces and nephews.

Per his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and a private, military funeral will be held for immediate family.

Bud was a life-long Navy Veteran and a lifelong member of the submarine First Coast Base USSVI emphasizing personal decency and responsibility. Memorial gifts can be made in his honor to the USSVI First Coast Base c/o Robert McLean, 11641 Mandarin Rd. Jacksonville FL 32223.