William Joseph Ward
Helena

William Joseph Ward, 79, of Helena, passed away Sunday, Dec. 17.

William was born on Nov. 23, 1938 in Mobile and attended school in Germany. He graduated in 1956 from Baker High School in Columbus, Georgia.

Mr. Ward proudly served in the U.S. Navy at Whiting Field in Milton, Florida and was a 1974 graduate from the University of South Alabama in Mobile. He worked 27 years for the Internal Revenue Service in Brewton and Birmingham.

During his time in Brewton, he was an active member of the North Brewton Baptist Church, the past President of the Brewton Youth Football League and the T.R. Miller High School Quarterback Club. He was also the longtime PA announcer for the T.R. Miller High School football games and refereed high school football for several years.

Mr. Ward transferred to the Birmingham area in 1987 where he participated in many community activities and was a member in several area churches over the years. He was a faithful volunteer every year for the Regions Tradition golf tournament. Upon retirement, he worked for the last 15 years as a bailiff at the Shelby County Courthouse in Columbiana. He was a member of Community Baptist Church in Maylene.

Mr. Ward is preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Josephine Ward; and brother, James Oliver Ward.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ouida June Ward; sons, Michael Ward (Amy) and Timothy Ward (Angie); and grandchildren, Anna Catherine Wilson, Carter Ward, JoEllen Ward and Lucy Ward.

The celebration of William’s life was at Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham on Wednesday, Dec. 20. He was laid to rest at Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo.