Willie C. Ward, son of the late Richard and Sallymae Ward, was born in Albany, Georgia on March 1, 1927.

During the early years of his life, he received his formal education in the Dougherty County School System.

From a very early age, Willie C. was immersed in the Christian community that would be his lifelong support.  As a youth, he accepted Christ as his personal Savior and began his steadfast  journey with the Lord at Hopewell Baptist Church.  He was a powerful man of God who was strong in his faith and a faithful servant of the Lord.  You could not know him without being inspired by his  unfaltering devotion as a Deacon and his unconditional love for his fellow man.  His encouraging words and the examples that he set throughout his life served as blessings for many people.

He was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Mary Alice.  There union endured  for 62 years as they honored their vows to love and cherish each other.  Deacon Ward was loving a husband and a dedicated father whose family was the joy of his life.  Over the years, he worked untiringly at Lilliston's of Albany to provide for his family and to ensure their well-being.   He was a loyal, dedicated employee who took great pride in his work until his retirement.

Deacon Ward was a strong but gentle man with a heart of gold and a smile that brought sunshine where he trod.  He was a friend you could count on, a great listener and confidant, and was always ready to lend a helping hand.  His friendliness and kindness to all people are lasting tributes to the beauty of his heart and soul.  The strong bonds of friendship that he developed throughout his life will forever be cherished and remembered.   He enjoyed caring for his chickens and sitting on the porch where he would often fall asleep.

On Wednesday, January 27, 2021, Deacon Ward's 93-year journey ended and he quietly transitioned to eternal peace with the Lord.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Alice Ward; his son, Stephen Anthony Ward; and six siblings.

Loving memories will forever be cherished by his children, Willie C. (Selena) Ward, Jr. of Newport, VA, Mary Dean Ward, Curnell (Cynthia) Ward, and April Ward all of Albany, GA, and Regina (Cletis) Henderson of San Diego, CA; Rev. Willie (Ester) Thomas; 20 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Josephine Ward of Albany, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends .