William "Billy Mac" McKinley Ward Jr.

William McKinley Ward Jr., aged 92, went home to Jesus our Savior on June 21, 2026. Born on May 18, 1934, in Birmingham, Alabama, he was the son of the late William McKinley Ward and Addie Lee Key Ward.

William, affectionately known to many as "Billy Mac," lived a long, meaningful life marked by his Christian values. Despite being a polio survivor, he graduated from The University of Alabama and had a distinguished career as an Aerospace Engineer primarily with Lockheed Martin and NASA, where he was highly respected by his colleagues for his dedication and contributions to the field. Outside of work, Billy Mac shared his passion for flight and innovation through his lifelong interests in model airplanes, as well as his interest in computer technology.

He is now reunited in Heaven with his beloved wife of 66 years, Eva Jeannette Wesson Ward, and with his brother Donald Richard Ward. He is survived by his children, Wendi Cunningham (Dan) and Traci Langley; his grandchildren, Abigail Marritt (Casey), Emma Sumalde (Koji), Shelby Chavez (Melvin), and Katie Post (Devin); his great-grandsons, Joel Marritt and Andrew Post; and his niece, Laurie Harris. He also leaves behind friends who will miss him dearly.

We rejoice in the promise of eternal life.

A private service for the family will be held to honor his life.