Michael Frederick Ward

Michael Frederick “Mike” Ward was born on April 30, 1938 in Cincinnati, OH. He was raised by his loving mother, Dorothy Louise and his father, Joseph Ward. Both his parents were in show business, and Mike was born into humor and the love of theater.

Michael was joined at the age of 2 by his sister Rayleen Fair. The two grew up humbly in Detroit and had a bond that remained tight until his passing. Those that knew them have heard the countless stories of fun and mischief the two of them found together. They shared a great love of the Detroit Tigers, and even recently, Mike and Rayleen would spend time on the phone watching their beloved Tigers play.

Michael attended John J. Pershing High School in Detroit and graduated in 1956. His senior year he was voted Class Clown, which came as no surprise to those who knew him best. His repeated jokes and antics sometimes saw him kicked out of class. Numerous classmates have shared stories about how Mike was ready to have fun at the drop of a hat, and he would often bring the hat!

After high school, Michael joined the Air Force in 1957. He absolutely loved playing sports and seeing the world, all while serving his country. Many were the stories that were told of his time in England and in Aviano, Italy. Each story revolved around football, baseball, basketball, and enjoying life to the fullest.

After leaving the Air Force in 1969, Michael worked as a DJ for KHAT radio where his love for music deepened. He had a large collection of records and passed the love of the Everly Brothers, Bill Haley, and Frankie Valli on to his daughters. He also sold real estate, a passion that would stay with him for the rest of his life.

Michael joined the Navy after the birth of his first daughter in 1971. He was stationed in Bremerton, WA and was the leading journalist aboard the USS Constellation and was involved in many community relations efforts in various ports of call. After being transferred to Hawaii, he was the Senior Journalist on the staff of the Commander in Chief Pacific. He had the opportunity to meet or interview notable political figures, including Admiral Stockdale and President Jimmy Carter. During this time he received the Joint Service Commendation Medal. He also received his AA degree from Chaminade University and became a member of the Toastmasters while stationed at Barber’s Point. Finally he was sent to NAS Jacksonville where he worked for the Public Affairs Officer for the Navy Recruiting District - Jacksonville. He fell in love with northeast Florida and decided to make it his permanent home.

After retiring from the Navy in 1985, Michael became a real estate appraiser working for Miller, Hollis Wilson, and Brad Long and Associates, before finally joining Steve Vockell and Associates as a contractor before becoming an owner. Michael absolutely loved his work and loved going to work every day. Although he “retired” last month, he was seen at the office until June 1st, and he’d have had it no other way.

Throughout his life, Michael had many interests and talents that brought so much fulfillment and joy to his life. He was an avid sports fan; there wasn’t a sport he wouldn’t watch on TV. Those who know him well know that golf was at the top of his list, although one could argue the Detroit Tigers occasionally took over that top spot! He loved watching football, baseball, golf, dancing, bowling, dog racing, and horse racing…just to name a few. Throughout his life he played countless sports as well, and while baseball was his first love, golfing was his last. He excelled at every sport he tried.

Michael had the theater in his blood and this was evidenced by his involvement in both the Big Orange Barbershop Chorus and the Orange Park Community Theater (OPCT). He loved to sing and act and be in the spotlight. He never learned to read music, but had a deep love for the harmonies of barbershop music. He made countless lifelong friends through the Big O and even after he left the chorus, he never stopped singing. He also performed numerous plays and musicals at OPCT. In the 80’s it wasn’t uncommon to see him in a lead role on stage. When he wasn’t acting he was directing, and when he wasn’t directing he was producing. The theater brought him so much happiness and he thoroughly enjoyed sharing his gift with so many.

Michael had three daughters: Angela Rae, Dortheanne Joy, and Jeanette Kay. All three of his daughters remember growing up with a Daddy who took them bowling, who introduced them to Jerry Lewis movies, and who demonstrated a deep love for animals. They remember trips to Epcot and seeing the “geodesic dome,” summer vacations in Daytona Beach, and road trips to St. Louis where he tried to teach them how to harmonize. Angela will carry on his love of language and writing. Dortheanne carries forward his analytical mind and love of math, and Jeanette will continue to share his sharp wit, sarcasm, humor, and ability to make us all laugh until we cry.

For the last 27 years, Michael shared his life with his wife Cindy. Michael and Cindy met as children and even went to prom together. They reconnected later in life, and were married April 19, 1991. Mike and Cindy loved to do so much together. Cindy could be found at his side in the theater, on the golf course, attending performances, at the dog track, traveling, cheering on their grandchildren, and just enjoying life together. The two of them made countless loving memories and truly lived to the fullest.

Michael died suddenly in his home with his wife by his side on June 4, 2018. He is preceded in death by his father, Joseph Ward, mother, Dorothy Ward, step sons; Ken & Richard Olson. He is survived by his wife Cynthia Olson-Ward, his sister Rayleen Fair, daughters; Angela Anderson (Todd), Dortheanne Bone (Shawn), and Jeanette Scott (Brian), step-sons; Bill & Charles Olson, grandchildren; Autumn Anderson, Holly Anderson, Desirae Sanderson (Austin), Kaylin Roberts, J. Reagan Roberts, Avarie Roberts, Anthony Andrescavage, Michael Andrescavage, Lea Olson, and Callen Bone, great-granddaughter Hailey Roberts, his wonderful nieces; Chelly, Becky, Bonnie, and Kelly, many grandnieces and nephews, great grandnieces and nephews, and countless friends and loved ones who will each miss him dearly.

The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 11, 2018 with visitation one hour prior to service in Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin with John Meeks as Officiant, followed by interment in Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218 at 2:00 p.m.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME OF MANDARIN, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025.