Charles Raymond Ward, or "Ray" to his friends, was born in Atlanta on September 29, 1923 to parents Thelma Reid Ward and Frank John Ward. He is preceded in death by his parents and older sister, Frances Ward Wilson.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Frances Greene Ward. Ray and Frances were married in Atlanta, GA on January 22, 1946. He was a decorated US Navy Veteran of WWII, serving from 1941 to 1946. During the war he was a designated Gunners Mate. In 1942, the convoy of ships that he was with were bombed. He was thrown from his seat and both eardrums burst, leaving him deaf in one ear and very little hearing in the other. After the war he received an honorable discharge. He was proud to have served the country he loved so much.
Settling in Atlanta he trained to become an electrical engineer at Georgia Tech and went on to be a partner in his own business, "Blakely, Ward and Stuckey" and had a very successful Engineering career. Ray and Frances were blessed with two daughters, Nancy Scylla Ward Galloway, and Pamela Rae Ward Rice; grandchildren, Duane and Olivia Ward, Rebekah Galloway, Brandie and Jeramy Barton, Anna Brooks; great grandchildren, Paige and Daniel Aultman, Justin and Heather Ward, Drake Ward, Andrew Barton, Ariel Barton, Charlie-Rae Burdett; great- great granddaughter, Adaline Ward.
Ray, "Pawp" to his grandchildren, loved many things. His passion was in turkey hunting and could often be found in the woods with his friends. During his hunting years he learned to make turkey calls from the wing-bones of the birds he hunted. He was known to give them to his friends, visitors and also sold them at local hunting conventions. Ray was also artistic and in his later years he also began creating beautifully detailed displays of birds. He truly was a multi-talented man.
He was also big on family and he has left them with many fond memories to cherish through the years, pumpkin carvings, beach and mountain vacations, gardening, fishing, family gatherings, jokes, silly songs and so much more. His faith in God was something else that he shared with his family. For all who knew and loved him, his legacy is something that will never be forgotten. He was a generous husband, father and friend who will be greatly missed and celebrated.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, June 24, 2018 from 1:30 – 2:30 prior to the Memorial Service that will follow at 3:00 PM in the chapel of Haisten Funeral Home in McDonough. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors in Mr. Ward’s memory.
Haisten Funerals and Cremations, 1745 Zack Hinton Parkway S., McDonough, GA 30253 770-914-8833 www.haistenfunerals.com
